Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowed total weight of the vehicle including occupants and cargo.
What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?
It is on the vehicle plate and documents. Axle limits also apply. Overloading affects braking and handling. Kerb weight is the empty weight with fluids and usually a driver; the difference to the gross weight is what you may load. Weighbridges can check actual weight.
How it works
Total weight = empty weight + occupants + cargo + tow bar load.
Why it matters for your car
Overloading is a fineable offence. It can damage tyres and suspension.
Other terms
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Cabin Temperature Sensor
- Car Loan
- Carburettor
- Clutch Master Cylinder
- Cup Holder
- E-axle (Electric Drive Unit)
- Grand Tourer (GT)
- High-voltage Service Disconnect
- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- Knock Control
- Mechanic’s Creeper
- Oil Viscosity (Grade)
- Parallel Hybrid
- Piston Pin (Wrist Pin, Gudgeon Pin)
- Speed Limits When Towing
- Torque Converter
- TPMS Relearn (Sensor Learning)
- Tyre Puncture Repair (Plug And Patch)