What do Gross Vehicle Weight and Curb Weight mean?
2 Answers
Gross Vehicle Weight refers to the total weight of a fully equipped vehicle, including passengers (including the driver) and cargo, as per regulations. Curb Weight refers to the weight of the vehicle when it is ready to operate under normal conditions, without passengers (including the driver) or cargo. Illegal Operations: Transport authorities specify that the following five scenarios should be identified as over-limit and over-load vehicles and must be corrected: two-axle vehicles with a total weight of body and cargo exceeding 20 tons, three-axle vehicles exceeding 30 tons, four-axle vehicles exceeding 40 tons, five-axle vehicles exceeding 50 tons, and six-axle or more vehicles exceeding 55 tons. Traffic police departments will temporarily confiscate the driver's license if the cargo weight exceeds the registered weight on the vehicle registration certificate by more than 30 tons, even if none of the above five scenarios apply. Vehicles that have already been penalized or unloaded on the same day and whose post-unloading weight matches the records on the relevant certificates should not be penalized or unloaded again. Considerations: The curb weight of a vehicle affects fuel consumption. Generally, vehicles with higher curb weights consume more fuel. For household car purchases, it is advisable to prioritize economical, small-displacement cars to achieve fuel efficiency.
I've owned several cars, and every time I read the manual, I pay attention to the curb weight and gross vehicle weight. Curb weight refers to the weight of the car itself, including all necessary fluids like fuel and coolant, but without passengers or luggage. This weight affects driving smoothness and fuel efficiency—lighter cars tend to be more fuel-efficient. Gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the car with the maximum allowed load, including the driver, passengers, and cargo. Exceeding it increases the risk of accidents, such as slower braking and unstable handling. Once, I helped a friend move and overloaded the car with too much stuff, causing severe shaking on the road—since then, I've been extra cautious. Before buying or driving a car, it's best to check the manual for these numbers to ensure proper loading and avoid fines or excessive wear. Keeping weight under control ensures safer, more comfortable driving and extends the lifespan of car parts.
