Will putting 200 pounds in the trunk damage the car?
2 Answers
Putting 200 pounds in the trunk will not damage the car. Here is more relevant information: 1. Items in the trunk: The trunk usually contains the car's spare tire, emergency kit, tool kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, car refrigerator, and the emergency fuel cap release. Some high-end models also have the starting battery placed in the trunk. Some SUV and MPV models even come with an original emergency flashlight. 2. Reasons why the trunk may not open: (1) Linkage rod or lock cylinder issue. If you frequently use a key to open the trunk, the linkage rod might be broken—take it to a repair shop. If you always use a remote to open the trunk, the lock cylinder might be dirty or rusty—spray some rust remover into the lock cylinder a few times to open it. (2) Not unlocked. If the trunk is not unlocked with the remote key, it may be difficult to open. Before opening, it's best to press the unlock button on the key or check if the key battery is dead. (3) Mechanical part failure. The trunk itself may have issues, such as a broken wire or other problems preventing it from opening.
My sedan once carried over 200 pounds of books during a move and ran 20 kilometers without issues. But this really depends on the model - sedan rear suspensions have limited load-bearing designs. If you frequently overload it, the suspension springs will definitely wear out prematurely, and the trunk floorboard might even deform. If your owner's manual states a maximum load capacity of 300kg, then 200 pounds (about 90kg) indeed doesn't constitute overloading. When loading, try to distribute weight closer to the seatbacks, and avoid stacking heavy items on one side. Also, take turns slowly since weighted rear wheels increase oversteer risk. While fine for emergencies, don't treat your trunk like a storage warehouse.
