In the field of cars and everything connected with them, there are two such concepts as the total mass and curb weight of the car. These are two characteristics that are always talked about in theoretical classes at a driving school, but many even the most avid drivers manage to forget this terminology. In order to make it clear what all this means and how it affects the car itself, we will try to consider this issue in detail.
Brief interpretation of the term
So, the curb weight of the car is the total weight of the car. It includes all running parts, all electrical equipment, interior filling (including audio-video equipment), as well as consumables such as motor oil, coolant and fuel (full tank). The indicator of this weight unit does not include the weight of the driver and passengers, as well as cargo and other details that do not affect the operation of the car's running system. Based on the term itself, we can understand that this is the very “equipment”, that is, equipment that provides complete readiness for the process of movement, braking, sliding, and so on.
Gross and Curb Vehicle Weight: Differences
In contrast to the curb weight indicator, the full weight also includes the mass of the driver, passengers and the goods carried. It is clear that all people are different, and each is characterized by its own mark on the scales. The same applies to luggage - you can park a car so that it does not budge. That is why among motorists, the concept of "permissible total mass of the car" is most often used. Each machine has its own highest permissible mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials used in the structure, as well as on the body structure and other supporting parts. It is important not to load your car so that this figure is exceeded. Otherwise, the body will gradually deform, as well as the bridge systems and other parts that are attached to the suspension.
Exceptions to Machine Rules
As already mentioned above, the curb weight of a car is the weight that is characteristic of it when fully equipped, with all consumables and accessories. However, in some European countries, this weight unit also includes the weight of the driver, but only if it does not exceed the figure of 75 kilograms. Europeans came to this conclusion because it is the driver that causes the movement of the car, and without it the driving process will become impossible. In Russia, the curb weight of the car is, in addition to all the parts mentioned, also a spare tire, tools that can be useful on the road in the event of an accident or breakdown, and sometimes a canister with spare fuel.
Machine weight and its maximum speed threshold
It is also known from physics lessons that heavier objects will always move at a lower speed, since they have to overcome more resistance. What does the curb weight of a car and its technical characteristics mean, how do they interact with each other? In order not to delve into the study of the features of each model of each brand of modern cars, we will consider this issue on two types of cars: a two-seater coupe and an SUV. The weight of the first car, of course, is small. Yes, the motor, injectors and everything that provides a fast acceleration of a sports car takes a considerable share. However, her body is small, in the cabin there are only two seats, there is no luggage compartment. The mass of the jeep is two, or even three times more, it has five or six seats, a multi-liter trunk. A lot of space is occupied by a fuel tank, the volume of which is always extremely large. Logically, the Audi TT RS will move faster and more maneuverably than the Infiniti FX 35.