Vehicle Overloading
Vehicle overloading means carrying more than the permitted payload, axle load or roof load, which hurts braking, handling and tyre safety.
What is Vehicle Overloading?
Holiday luggage, roof boxes and trailers often push cars over the limit. Overloading can void insurance and lead to fines. Tyres may overheat if the load index is exceeded. Public weighbridges and some police checks can measure axle and total weights.
How it works
Extra mass lengthens stopping distance, overloads suspension and tyres and raises the centre of gravity.
Why it matters for your car
Know your payload: maximum weight minus kerb weight. Increase tyre pressure to the full-load value when heavily loaded.
Other terms
- Battery Registration (Battery Coding)
- Brake Assist
- Brake Booster
- Car Wax And Paint Sealant
- Diesel Runaway
- Electrical Resistance (Ohms)
- Engine Surging (Hunting Idle)
- ESP / Stability Control Warning Light
- Glow Plug Warning Light (Preheat Light)
- Heated Seat
- Hill Start
- Ignition Lead (Spark Plug Wire)
- Lever Arm Damper
- Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
- Oil Level Sensor
- Power Steering Fluid
- Six-Volt Electrical System
- Torque Curve
- Windscreen Washer Pump
- Youngtimer (Modern Classic)