Payload
Payload is the weight of occupants and cargo a vehicle can carry.
What is Payload?
It equals gross vehicle weight minus kerb weight. Roof loads have their own limit. Accessories reduce payload. Five adults with luggage can exceed the payload of some cars, especially electric ones with heavy batteries. Tow ball nose weight also counts against payload. Payload figures are on the vehicle documents and sometimes on the door label. Heavier loads may also require higher tyre pressures, which the label lists.
How it works
Each added kilogram uses part of the payload.
Why it matters for your car
Exceeding payload strains brakes and tyres. Distribute load evenly.
Other terms
- Active Bonnet (Pedestrian Protection)
- Aluminium Body
- Anti-Lag System (ALS)
- Anti-roll Bar
- Dipstick
- Dry Sump Lubrication
- EU Tyre Label
- EV Charging Adapter
- Front Wing (Fender)
- Ignition Distributor
- Key Not Detected Warning
- Mechanic’s Creeper
- Model Year
- Phantom Drain (Vampire Drain)
- Propeller Shaft (Prop Shaft)
- Radiator Cap (Pressure Cap)
- Respray (Refinish)
- Side Window
- Transponder Key
- Tread Depth