Is the curb weight of the vehicle a full weight or a partial weight? Vehicle weight Motorcycle curb weight

Curb weight and gross vehicle weight

There is a dry, equipped and permissible gross vehicle weight. This indicator directly depends on the carrying capacity and dimensions of the car. Quite often, these figures differ by 300-700 kg or even more. And if the dry weight is the weight of the car without any additions (even without oil in the engine), then the curb weight reflects the weight vehicle completely ready for use.

The curb weight of the car takes into account the weight of the equipment necessary for operation (tools, spare wheels), as well as the weight of all consumables (fuel, oil, etc.), but does not take into account the weight of passengers, the driver and the weight of the cargo.

What is the difference between curb weight and dry weight?

Some drivers do not understand why you need to know the curb weight or other weight of the car, and this is very important information that you need to know. There are two concepts that characterize the mass of the car - permissible gross weight and curb weight. It is worth noting that these characteristics are a priority for some indicators, for example, fuel consumption. In addition, they affect the functioning of various vehicle systems.

The curb weight includes such indicators as weight:

car.
various lubricants, technical liquids, fuel tank (full).
Standard equipment necessary for the operation of the vehicle (lift, spare wheel, fire extinguisher, standard set of tools and keys, first aid kit).
Driver (taking into account the weight of 75 kg).

The values \u200b\u200bof such a mass of a car are indicated in the data sheet or specifications ah specific model.

In addition to the curb weight of the car, there is also a dry and permissible total. Dry weight is equal to curb but without some equipment, fuel in the tank and consumables. In other words, this is the mass of an unloaded car only without fuel.

The concept of "permissible total weight of the car" means the maximum loaded weight of the car, provided by the manufacturer. It is also sometimes called the maximum allowed or the maximum allowable. By subtracting the curb weight from the total weight of the car, you can find out the carrying capacity of the car. Accordingly, the total mass of the machine is always more equipped and, moreover, more dry.

All elements of the car are calculated and then manufactured with a certain margin of safety. Everyone knows that exceeding the load of a car significantly impairs braking efficiency and traction characteristics, and also directly affects safety.

That is why automakers indicate in the documents for the vehicle the total permitted weight, which is the maximum allowable.

Gross vehicle weight is, in fact, a hypothetical indicator that varies from the weight of passengers and the weight of cargo in the trunk. We rarely carry heavy luggage with us, so it is not accurate.

The dry weight of a car is also not a useful indicator, since the car is never driven without antifreeze, fuel, transmission and engine oil, etc.

When creating cars, all manufacturers try to reduce the weight of cars, since this value significantly affects both accelerating and economical characteristics. This is quite simple to explain: the more weight a car can carry a specific distance, spending a minimum of fuel, the better for car owners. In addition, the increased load has a negative impact on the suspension parts and the car body.

European curb weight

The use of its own formula, which determines the curb weight of the car, may be present in every European country. It is this criterion that is taken into account when it is necessary to move through a bridge or dam. The most accurate data in this case will not allow overloading.

In almost all European countries, 75 kg is added to the curb weight of a car - this is the average weight of an adult. Such a calculation allows you to obtain data on what is the mass of the car while driving.

In addition, the following features are provided:

The weight of the tool necessary for the operation of the vehicle, which must be present in the trunk.
Bus or truck intended for long distance(if there is room for a crew member, another 75 kg is added to the mass of the car).
The spare wheel, the weight of the jack, fire extinguisher and other elements must also be taken into account.
At least 90% of the weight is added to the curb weight of the car fuel tank machines (complete).

In addition, there are several formulas that allow you to individually determine the curb weight. This point is extremely important for trucks, since at all weighing points, by deducting the curb weight, it is possible to check with high accuracy the maximum allowable weight car, luggage weight, etc.

Therefore, in individual cases, inspection services use formulas that can be used to calculate the curb weight of a car, taking into account the people present in it, parts, etc.

There are many situations in which knowledge about the curb weight of a car may be needed. First of all, this is towing, since each vehicle has a maximum permissible mass of towed cargo.

It is also worth remembering this value in those situations when the car passes local bridges over rivers or dangerous places. Often in such places there are warnings that contain information about the limitation of the mass of vehicles. Therefore, experts recommend following some rules:

If it is necessary to estimate the weight of the car, add the weight of the driver and all passengers to the weight of the car.
When buying a car, immediately find out the curb weight indicated by the manufacturer.
You should find out the formula that was used to calculate the curb weight, remember or write down this figure.
Do not worry about fuel, oil, first aid kit, fire extinguisher - these elements are automatically taken into account in the indicators.
Do not forget about luggage that is not taken into account in the curb weight of the car (situational luggage).

From this information, it should be concluded that the curb weight indicator is important information and it is necessary for the car owner to know it. This is one of important parameters technical characteristics, which sometimes takes into account up to 500 kg of additional weight of the car.

We buy tires and wheels - another use of curb weight

When buying new wheels for a car, there is a high risk of getting problems if the weight of the car does not match the performance of the wheels. Otherwise, any, even a slight bump, will adversely affect their metal: alloy wheels get a crack, steel - I will bend.

It is also important to take into account the weight of the car when choosing tires, because if you do not take into account the load index of the rubber, there is a high probability of unpleasant consequences.

The most common problems that can cause a mismatch between the weight of a car and the tire load index include the following points:

Relatively fast tread wear.
Destruction of the rubber cord, swelling / blowing out of bumps on the working or side surface of a part of the tire.
Uneven wear of the rubber layer due to too high pressure.
Lack of correct vehicle control, as tires change the trajectory of movement.
bad rolling, increased flow fuel due to rolling resistance.
Bad effect on stopping distance.
Inability to inflate the wheels, as required by the manufacturer's recommendations.
Decrease in safety of operation of a car for a number of reasons.

These are the consequences that can arise when buying wheels or tires, when the curb weight of the car is not taken into account. This proves that this indicator is important for the operation of the vehicle.

In order to choose optimal size tires or rims, you must write down the curb weight of the machine and divide this value by four, since all manufacturers of these products indicate the maximum weight in kilograms per tire.

All technical characteristics of a car are important during its operation, so the documents issued upon purchase should not be thrown away. They will not be needed until the warranty expires.

If for some reason you don't know the curb weight of your vehicle, you should know where you can find it quickly. To do this, you must always have at hand (for example, in the bookmarks of an Internet browser on a mobile phone) a site with a description of the technical characteristics of almost all vehicles. This information can be very useful, since such a catalog contains all the data on the gross and curb weight of the car. Accordingly, you have the opportunity, if necessary, to obtain reliable information about which parts you need to buy.

When studying automotive topics, there are a number of terms that define certain parameters of vehicles. Most definitions are introduced and refined by government regulatory agencies and other organizations responsible for the organization traffic. As for cars, and freight transport curb weight and gross weight are one of the key technical parameters, which are indicated in the documents by manufacturers.

The car leaving the assembly line of the factory and the car that arrived at the car dealership for sale have a different mass. After completing with spare parts (spare tools and accessories) and refueling with technical fluids, the weight of the car increases. For domestic vehicles, the concept of curb weight is regulated by GOST R 52389-2005. It includes a lot of:

car;
standard equipment (hoist, fire extinguisher, spare wheel, first aid kit, standard set of keys and tools);
technical fluids, lubricants and a full tank of fuel;
driver, whose weight is taken as 75 kg.

In the EU zone, car manufacturers also include the weight of the driver, whose weight is 75 kg, in the curb weight of the car. We can say that the operating weight is the mass of a fully equipped, fueled and ready to travel car with a driver.

What is the total mass of the car

All elements of the car are calculated and manufactured with a certain margin of safety. It is quite clear that exceeding the load of the car leads to a deterioration traction characteristics and braking efficiency, as well as a key impact on safety. Therefore, manufacturing companies indicate the total permitted weight in the documents for the car. It represents the maximum valid parameter and includes a lot:

equipped and ready for operation of the machine;
driver and passengers by number of seats;
transported cargo.

What is the difference between the gross and curb weight of the car

If we compare the full (allowed) and curb weight of the car, then the first parameter is obtained by adding the weight of passengers and the luggage carried to the second. The curb weight (weight without load) of the machine is set based on technical features(car brand, type and weight of the body, volume of the fuel tank and cooling system, materials of manufacture, etc.) and is a given parameter, then the gross weight is the limiting indicator. It shows that its excess can lead not only to a decrease performance characteristics, but also to emergency failure individual nodes and machine elements.

All manufacturers, when designing their cars, try to minimize the weight of cars, which directly affects their acceleration and economical characteristics. The more weight the vehicle will carry over a certain distance, spending the minimum amount of fuel, the better.

When calculating the total permitted weight, manufacturers are guided by some average data on the weight of passengers, driver and baggage carried on public roads. By the method of providence testing, they set the threshold, up to which the vehicle is able to operate without significant excess fuel consumption and exceeding axial and other loads on the transmission and chassis elements. If a one-time and slight excess of the total permitted weight can be compensated to some extent by the safety margin of the structure, then the constant and excessive loading of the passenger compartment and trunk of the car will definitely lead to a decrease in the operational life of the entire car.

With a simplified calculation, subtracting the curb weight from the total weight, you can find out what is the maximum amount of cargo a car can take on board. All these norms and values are indicated in the PTS (vehicle passport) and are duplicated on special tags located in the doorways or under the hood of the car. For example, the value of the operating weight may be needed at a service station when servicing or repairing a machine using a lift that has weight limits. Knowing the weight of the luggage intended for transportation, it will not be difficult to quickly find out whether the value of the permitted (gross) weight will be exceeded, and take measures to prevent the vehicle from being overloaded.

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All about the curb weight of the car

In the world of cars, this term is very common. But not everyone can still know what the curb weight of a car is. Usually they talk about this in a driving school, but then everything gets confused, since the concepts are forgotten.

This term implies the mass of the car without passengers, as well as without a driver. But this mass includes all the necessary equipment and consumables, take, for example, engine oil. A full tank of fuel, as well as engine coolant, is also included in the curb weight of the car. That is, this is how much an empty vehicle weighs, which is fully refueled and ready to go.

It is necessary to distinguish curb weight from dry and full permissible weight. Dry weight is the weight of an unfilled car without equipment. And the gross permissible mass is the weight of a fully loaded vehicle. It is better not to exceed this indicator, then your car will always be in good condition.

How to find out the mass of the car. Curb weight of the vehicle and gross

In the automotive industry and everything related to this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of the car. These two characteristics are those that are necessarily talked about in theoretical classes taking place in a car school. However, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or simply have forgotten what lies under this terminology.

What is the curb weight of the car

The curb weight of the car is the total, i.e. total weight of the machine with a set standard equipment, all its operational consumables that are needed (for example, coolant and engine oil), a fully filled vehicle fuel tank, the weight of the driver, but without the weight of the cargo and the weight of the passengers.

What is the gross weight of the machine

Gross vehicle weight, or, as it is also called, the gross permitted weight, is the mass of the car, which is the maximum allowable and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of passengers, the weight of the entire equipped car, as well as the weight of the cargo that is transported by the car.

What is the difference between curb weight and gross vehicle weight?

If you understand the differences between these two concepts, then the point is what exactly is included and summed up in the total mass indicator. In contrast to the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its gross weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of the goods that are (transported) in it.

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “stuff” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some are more careful and transport goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as “permissible gross vehicle weight” is used. Each car has its own highest permitted mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials that were used in the production process of the car, as well as the structure car body and other load-bearing parts of the machine. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If this is not adhered to, then gradually during the operation of the car its body, bridge systems, as well as many other parts that are fixed to the car suspension will be deformed. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car - fuel, it will absorb much more.

Passenger car - a car designed to carry passengers and luggage, with a capacity of 2 to 8 people. With more seats for passengers, the car is considered a bus (minibus). The first car was created in 1876.

Passenger car classification

I would like to note that the classification of cars as a class of wheeled vehicles, and within this class, is in itself quite conditional: some cars can be “transitional” between classes, and even, by all indications, belong to two or more classes at the same time .

In addition, the classes themselves change their definition, the size of cars, and so on. This is best illustrated by the constant physical growth of the same model line. For example, the BMW 3 Series, which debuted as a very compact car, by now has grown so much that it brought to life the 1st series of BMW.

In addition, the classification of cars is highly dependent on the specifics of the country's legislation. So, for example, in Russia, cars belonging to the class of passenger cars cannot have a gross weight of more than 3500 kg, and in the USA - 8600 pounds (3904 kg); in Germany, a passenger car with a station wagon or hatchback body, subject to dismantling rear seats and belts and painting of the rear side windows can be registered as a truck; in the US for a long time off-road cars were considered "truck" (truck), regardless of weight and size; customs regulations of the Russian Federation require that an imported vehicle with a maximum authorized weight of up to 3500 kg be registered as a truck - if the mass of the payload exceeds the mass of passengers and the driver (75 kg per seat), and a passenger car - if the mass of the driver and passengers exceeds the allowable mass of the payload ; etc.

Passenger cars by class

Class A 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Small dimensions - length - no more than 3600, width - no more than 1520
Class B 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, rarely sedans, length 3500-3900, width 1520-1630

Class C. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV. Length 3.9 - 4.4m. Width 1.6 - 1.75m

Class D Hatchback, sedan, station wagon and high-capacity station wagons. Length 4.4 - 4.7 m. Width 1.7 - 1.8m

Class E Sedans and station wagons. Length over 4.6m. Width over 1.7m

Class F. Sedans, limousines. Length over 4.6m. Width over 1.7m

Minivans and high-capacity vehicles. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV

SUVs. 3- or 5-door wagons, less often with a removable soft top. Capacity - from 4 to 9 seats. The purpose is quite universal, although it can be very specific.

coupe. Coupe with a capacity of 2 or 4 seats

WITH open body . Convertibles, roadsters and spiders

In real realities, you can also classify cars according to their purpose.

"Passenger Cars". Designed to carry passengers and/or a small amount of cargo on roads with improved surface. They do not have increased cross-country ability (even in the presence of all-wheel drive!), leaving the road or overcoming a small ford can be carried out exclusively “at the risk and peril” of the driver. A subclass of "passenger cars" are "sports cars".

These cars are not race cars, but are designed to provide increased driving pleasure to their owner. The range of "sporty" solutions can start from the installation by the Manufacturer of a "sports body kit" on an ordinary model (for example, Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC, Opel Vectra OPC-line), and ending with the release of highly dynamic models (Honda NSX, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborgini Murcelado ...) - "SUVs".

This class of cars can be operated in real off-road conditions and is structurally adapted to this. - The now popular class of "crossovers" (they are also "SUVs") is intermediate between passenger and SUVs.

These cars have a cross-country ability increased relative to "passenger cars", but do not have complete set off-road qualities and do not allow to overcome serious impassability. - "commercial" cars are often created on the basis of "passenger cars", but at the same time they are intended mainly for the transportation of small consignments in the interests of business, and not only.

Interestingly, there is a tendency to "return" to the function of a passenger car: for example, based on the popular Opel Corsa created cargo van Opel Combo, in which a volume of about 3m3 for cargo is organized behind the backs of the front seats, and the Opel Combo Tour is immediately offered, where passenger seats are installed in a spacious, previously cargo compartment. From a purely “passenger passenger” progenitor, such a car (like many competitors) differs much more spacious interior and high ceiling.

Classification of other passenger cars

G1 - coupe
G2 - premium coupe
H1 - convertibles and roadsters
H2 - premium convertibles and roadsters
I - station wagons off-road
K1 - light SUVs
K2 - medium SUVs
K3 - heavy SUVs
K4 - pickups
L - minivans
M - small commercial

Cars include passenger cars for up to 8 people, including the driver.

Cars are classified by purpose, by class, by general layout, by body type.

According to their purpose, cars are divided into general purpose cars and off-road cars. The purpose depends on the ability of this model to move in various road conditions.

General purpose vehicles are designed for driving on roads of various categories, mainly on highways. General purpose vehicles include VAZ, GAZ, KIA, Volga, etc.

Off-road vehicles can move off-road, designed for operation not only on paved roads, but also in off-road conditions. Cross-country vehicles include Niva and UAZ vehicles.

Depending on the overall layout domestic cars divided into rear-wheel drive (classic layout), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

The classic layout assumes the location of the engine above the axis of the front wheels. Wheel formula of such cars: 4×2. The drive to the drive wheels of the rear axle is carried out by means of cardan shaft. For example: VAZ-2107 "Lada", GAZ-3110 "Volga".

The class of the car depends on the working volume of the engine cylinders, expressed in liters, and on its unloaded weight. Limit indicators for classes are given in table.

Division of cars by class

European classification of passenger cars

Cars of an especially small class are designed for 4 people, other models - for 5 people.

According to the body type, modern domestic passenger cars can have a body type: sedan, hatchback, station wagon, pickup truck and van.

The base models of passenger cars are assigned a four-digit index, in which the first digit indicates the class of the car, the second - the type of car, and the third and

the fourth indicates its model number. To indicate modifications basic models vehicles, additional figures may be added to the index.

The full model designation includes the abbreviated name of the manufacturer.

What is the curb weight of the car. Vehicle dimensions and weight

In the automotive industry, there are such terms as: gross and curb weight. These terms are those that are necessarily talked about in the theory of driving schools. But, today, even many drivers with great experience do not remember or do not know about it. The curb weight of the car is the total weight of the car with the necessary equipment, all materials that are needed during the operation of the car, a full tank of fuel, the weight of the driver, but excluding passenger weight and cargo weight.

Gross weight is considered the mass of the car, which is the maximum possible and consists of: the weight of the driver and passengers, the weight of the equipped car, as well as the weight of cargo.

What is the difference between curb weight and gross vehicle weight?

If you understand the differences between these concepts, then the whole point comes down to what exactly can be included and summed up in the general criterion of mass. Compared with the value of the curb weight of the car, in the indicator of its gross weight, the weight of the driver, and the weight of all passengers, as well as the weight of the luggage carried.

Gross weight = vehicle weight + weight of all people in the vehicle + cargo in the luggage compartment.

Curb weight = vehicle weight without additional weights.

Of course, each person's weight is different. The same can be said for luggage. Therefore, drivers use concepts such as "permissible gross vehicle weight." Each car has its own highest resolvable indicator, everything will depend on the manufacturer, the materials from which the car is made, as well as the shape of the car body, etc.

Do not overload the machine. If this is not observed, then during the use of the car, the deformation of the body, bridge systems, and also other parts that need to be fixed to the suspension of the car will occur with it. And do not forget that, subject to the full curb weight of the car, fuel will be consumed in large volumes. Also, weight is always taken into account when using a two-post lift.

All of the above tips for motorists are quite important information, especially if the driver does not have sufficient driving experience behind him. They should not be neglected or ignored. Because sometimes even experienced drivers and the driver commit certain actions that may not seem ridiculous and trifling at first glance, but which can lead to consequences. Therefore, be careful and careful when driving.

A car is a complex system that consists of many nodes. Thanks to their coordinated work, normal movement becomes possible. Every year electronics plays an increasingly important role in this structure.

The on-board network provides control and security. In addition, in modern cars, a variety of sensors and computer systems are responsible for a huge number of processes.

Along with increased safety and comfort, the speed limit increases. Just a hundred years ago, cars could top out at 40 miles per hour. Now they are able to reach 100 kilometers in 4 seconds, and this is not the limit.

Modern manufacturers spend a lot of money and time to improve aerodynamic parameters and reduce weight. Unfortunately, motorists often forget about the last parameter. This is not surprising, since attention is primarily focused on the number Horse power, appearance and the number of cylinders.

It's just the weight that matters. The less the car weighs, the faster it accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour. Yes, and the upper bar of the maximum speed is raised a lot. In addition, a lighter vehicle is much easier to drive. It is easier to keep on the track and get out of corners. If the balance is done correctly, of course.

How the weight of cars affected the engineering industry

Automobile manufacturers have long recognized the importance of low weight for dynamic performance. As a result, they tried their best to reduce the size of the main nodes. As evidence, we can recall the invention of the V-engine. He allowed to halve the space under the hood of the car.

Attention! Increasingly, car manufacturers are using modern materials with high strength and low weight in the design.

An example is Lykan Hypersport. Its body is made of carbon fiber. Due to which the weight of the car is 1380 kilograms. At the same time, the car accelerates to hundreds in 2.8 seconds.

Table of average weight of popular cars

To understand what is modern automotive manufacturers tend to reduce the weight of their creations, just look at the table below.

Curb weight (kg.)

3962, 452 (loaf)

Focus 2 (focus 2)

Focus 3 (focus 3)

Land Cruiser

Modern cars rarely cross the border of 1500 kilograms. Of course, there are exceptions like Ford Kuga, but they only confirm to a greater extent general rule, which says that the less the car weighs, the better for the consumer.

It's not just about better maneuverability and greater speed. A car with a low weight requires significantly less energy to move. As a result, much less fuel is wasted. An important confirmation of this thesis is the ever-growing popularity parquet SUVs, which hang relatively little and are a fairly economical mode of transport.

If we talk about general indicators, then they range from one ton to 1.5. An interesting trend is the growth of the segment of minicars. The weight of such machines can be less than a thousand kilograms. Leading experts attribute this to the same desire of people to save money. In addition, small cars are much easier to park in the city. Especially when there is a shortage of free parking.

A small digression into history

It is best to watch how the weight of cars changed in dynamism. Let's take the cars of the 50s of the last century. They were real monsters. As an example that well illustrates the general trend, we can recall the Cadillac Eldorado 8.2. Its mass was three tons, and this was far from the limit in those days.

But with the onset of the oil crisis, automakers had to find other ways to reach the hearts of consumers. The weight reduction has helped to significantly reduce fuel consumption. In addition, it had a positive effect on handling.

Automakers of that time managed to achieve weight reduction through the use of materials such as:

Automotive magnates are now investing millions in research related to the search for strong and lightweight materials.

Average vehicle weight by type

There are many types of cars, which are classified according to a number of parameters. One of the main ones is weight. Such an approach is easily explained by the influence of this parameter on all other characteristics.

To better understand how cars are classified by weight, consider the most popular types, they include:

Microcars. The engine of such machines rarely exceeds a volume of one liter. The minimum figure is 0.4 liters. Power of 15-40 horsepower is quite normal. The weight is from 0.5 to 0.8 tons. Such vehicles consume from 5 to 7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. Max speed 100 km/h.
Subcompact cars. The volume of engines of such vehicles can reach two liters, but usually it lies in the range from 1 to 1.5 liters. Power is about 60-70 hp. The body can have both four and five seats. The weight of the car is from 0.8 to 1 ton. At the same time, fuel consumption is 6-8 liters, and the speed is 110-120 km / h.
Cars with a medium displacement. The engine capacity in such machines is from two to three liters. Power is about 80-130 horsepower. Weight 1.2-1.6 tons. Fuel consumption 12-14 liters. The maximum speed indicator is 120-145 km / h.
Cars with a large displacement. The weight of such vehicles reaches 2.5-3 tons. They consume a lot of fuel. On average 18-20 liters per 100 km. Speed from 150 to 240 kilometers. The cabin can easily fit six or even eight people. The power of such machines can reach 300 hp.

Judging by the latest sales in Europe, every year the first two types of cars occupy an increasing sales sector. This trend is easily explained by the desire of modern people to save money and not pollute the environment.

Results

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the weight of a modern passenger car is about 1.5 tons. At the same time, every year, thanks to modern materials this number is getting smaller.

All phenomena that occur during the movement of the car, to a very large extent depend on its overall dimensions, weight, shape, position of the center of gravity, location of the body, i.e. from its general structure or, as they say, layout. It is more convenient to get an idea of these general, initial vehicle data when the vehicle is stationary.

Rice. The main dimensions of the car give an initial idea of its layout.

Let's look at the car from the side. To draw or draw it, it would be necessary first of all to outline several basic dimensions:

vehicle length and height
longitudinal distance between the axles of the wheels (the so-called wheelbase or just base)
gap between car and road
front and rear overhangs, i.e., the distance from the axle of the front or rear wheels to, respectively, the front or rear end (buffer) of the car

If you look at the car from the front, rear and top, the main dimensions are the width of the car, the track of the front and rear wheels, that is, the distance between the middles of the tires of one axle.

Dimensions called the extreme big sizes vehicle in length, width and height.

Domestic cars and trucks are different in layout. The more modern the car, the greater part of its total length is occupied by the passenger space or cargo platform, the more these useful areas of the car are moved forward. The ratio of the base of the car and its height to length is getting smaller, and the useful length used for its intended purpose (for passengers, luggage or cargo) is getting larger.

The ratio of the useful length of a passenger car Lk to its total length L1 or the useful area of a truck platform Sk to its total area S1 is called the indicator of the use of the dimension n (Greek letter “this” with indices “dl” - length or “pl” - area):

The larger the index n, the more perfect the layout of the car.

Before you put the car on the scales, you need to determine what weight condition it is in. If all the mechanisms of the car are filled with grease and other liquids (water, brakes, etc.), the car is equipped with a spare wheel and a set of tools, and the tank is filled with fuel, then the weight of such a car is called curb weight or own weight .

If the car is not filled with gasoline, water, oil and other liquids, its weight is called dry. Dry weight determines the amount of metal and other materials in the structure of the car, and is also important in terms of transporting the car (on a railway platform or by crane). Dry weight is sometimes referred to as the weight when the spare wheel and tools have also been removed from the vehicle.

If the car is with a driver, passengers (according to the number of seats in the body) and cargo, its weight is called complete .

When a car is weighed with a load, that is, when the total weight is determined, the body is loaded with sandbags or cast-iron ingots, and the weight of the passenger is assumed to be 75 kg.

Rice. The development of the layout of the passenger car.

Rice. The AMO-3 and GAZ-51A cars have bodies of the same length, but the GAZ-51A cab is shifted forward, so the base is 510 mm shorter than the AMO-3, and the length is 425 mm.

The ratio of the payload weight Ge to the dead weight of the car G0 is called the specific load capacity of the car ng:

The specific carrying capacity of trucks is close to unity, i.e. the car weighs about the same as it can carry on itself. For passenger cars, this indicator ranges between 0.20 and 0.40, since passengers are accommodated freely in the body, and in small cars (lighter, with a cramped body), the indicator is higher than in large ones.

Since we are considering a car in motion, of the listed weight conditions, only the total weight of the car should be taken into account. After all, a car in running order (without a driver and load) and, moreover, in a state corresponding to “dry weight”, cannot move. But in addition to the total weight, in some cases, they take the weight state of the car, which is conditionally called running, when the driver is on the car, but there are no passengers or cargo. The car can move, but it is not loaded.

For weighing, the car is rolled onto large scales either as a whole or in turn by the front and rear wheels. In the second case, by adding two weighing results, you can get the weight of the car and at the same time find out what part of the weight falls on the front wheels and what on the rear, i.e., what is the distribution of weight on the wheels of this vehicle what is the front and rear axle weight and what is the load on each wheel and tire. All these data are extremely important for evaluating all the qualities of a car: its smoothness, ability to take acceleration and climbs, and develop the highest speed.

Rice. When the number of passengers changes or the platform is filled with cargo, the distribution of weight on the wheels changes.

In trucks, the front wheels account for 25-35% of the total weight, and the rear wheels account for 65-75%. The own weight of trucks is distributed between the axles almost equally: 40-50% on the front wheels and 50-60% on the rear. This shows that the bulk of the payload weight is transferred through the rear wheels.

The requirements for the distribution of weight on the wheels, as we will see further, are very contradictory. To improve the traction qualities, the car's cross-country ability and to facilitate control, it is desirable to load the drive (rear) wheels and unload the guides (front); to increase stability and smoothness, it is advisable to equally distribute the load or some overload of the front wheels. To increase the service life of all tires, their uniform load is necessary, which is obtained with such a distribution of weight along the axles:

50%:50% for cars
33%:67% for trucks (including two tires on the rear wheels)

Rice. Adding the forces from the weight of the individual parts of the machine, we get the force from the total weight applied at the center of gravity.

Especially important is the constancy of the weight distribution over the wheels (not the weight, but the weight distribution!), i.e. the preservation of the percentage of the total weight falling on the front or rear wheels, in all weight states. Unfortunately, most modern cars does not have this quality. It can be achieved if the center of gravity of the load is close to the center of gravity of the unloaded vehicle.

The distribution of weight on the wheels depends on the weight of the mechanisms and the payload and on their location along the length of the car (it is assumed that the car is more or less symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and the load on the left and right wheels is the same. Therefore, the weight distribution on the left and right wheels is not are considering.). The latter is especially significant, since the most important components of the car's weight are the engine, body, payload- can be differently located in relation to the support points (i.e., to the front and rear axles) and have different weights. When designing a car, the weight of each vehicle assembly (as well as the weight of the parts of the assembly itself) can be represented as a force directed towards the road surface. You can consider the aggregates in turn, taking them in pairs, and find the resultant for each pair; then take the found resultants in pairs, and so on, until the resultant of all these forces is obtained, equal in magnitude to the weight of the car and applied at a point called the center of gravity.

The article was written based on materials from sites: auto-kruto.ru, orthograf.ru, resalt.ru.

If you try to find out the weight of your car, you will understand that there are several indicators of this criterion. There is net, curb and gross weight. These indicators often differ by 400-800 kilograms or more, it all depends on the size and carrying capacity of the car. And if the net weight is the weight of the car without any additions and even without oil in the engine, then the curb weight reflects the weight of the car, which is completely ready for operation. This means that the curb weight includes the weight of technical fluids, full tank fuel, but does not take into account the maximum weight of cargo and passengers. The total mass, in turn, is based on the curb weight with the potential weight of the allowable number of passengers and cargo.

It is understood that the gross weight is hypothetical and may vary depending on the weight of the passengers. Yes, and we rarely carry a full trunk of cargo. Therefore, this indicator is hypothetical and not very accurate. It is rarely helpful. The net weight of the car is also never a useful indicator, because you will not operate a car without antifreeze, fuel, engine and transmission oil. It is the curb weight that is one of the most important indicators for each car.

European curb weight

Each country may have its own formula for determining the curb weight of a vehicle. It is this criterion that is taken into account when cars are allowed onto a bridge or dam, so it is extremely important to get accurate data in order to prevent overloading. In Europe, 75 kilograms are added to the curb weight of a car - the average weight of one person. This allows you to get clear data on how much the car weighs on the road. In Russia, the following features are also provided in one of the GOST items related to the operation of vehicles:

75 kilograms are added to the curb weight of the car - the weight of the driver, as required element car trips;
a long-distance bus or truck, if there is room for a crew member, adds another 75 kilograms to the mass of the vehicle;
weight is also taken into account necessary tool, which is present in the car or bus;
at least 90% of the weight of the full fuel tank of the vehicle is added to the curb weight of the vehicle;
the spare wheel must be taken into account, and the weight of the jack, fire extinguisher and other elements is also added.

There are also several formulas for the individual determination of curb weight. For trucks, this point is extremely important, since at the weighing points, minus the curb weight, you can check the weight of the luggage, the permissible Weight Limit cars and so on. Therefore, in individual cases, inspection services can apply formulas for calculating the curb weight of the car, taking into account the parts present in the car, the number of people, and so on. Many drivers do not understand at all why they need to know the curb or any other mass of the car.

Why do you need to know the curb weight of the car?

There are many situations in which you may need information about the curb weight of a vehicle. First of all, it is towing. Each car has a maximum towed load. If you ask to be towed by a car that technically cannot pull your car, you will have to deal with various problems later. You should remember about the curb weight of the car and in those situations when you drive through dangerous places, local bridges over small rivers. In some of these places, there are even warnings with a limit on the mass of the car. Therefore, you should always follow these rules:

when buying a car, you should immediately find out its curb weight, which is indicated by the manufacturer;
it is necessary to find out the formula by which the curb weight was calculated and remember the number;
if necessary, to estimate the weight of the car, you can add the weight of the people in the car to the mass value;
also do not forget about situational luggage that is not taken into account in the curb weight of your car;
you should not worry about fuel, oil, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit - these elements are already taken into account in the indicators.

As you can see, it is necessary for the car owner to know the curb weight indicator. This is one of the important points of technical characteristics, which takes into account all the subtleties, of which sometimes up to 500 kilograms are collected. You will never calculate the optimal weight of a machine if you only know the net weight. But find out if the driver's weight factor was involved in calculating the curb weight for your car. This can be checked with official dealer or on the manufacturer's website in the technical support of the owners.

We buy tires and wheels - another use of curb weight

When you buy new rims for a car, there is a risk of problems if the weight of the car does not match the capabilities of the rims. In this case, any bump will turn into a metal destroyer, steel discs I will bend, and the cast will get cracks. It is also important to keep the weight of the machine in mind when choosing tires. If you do not take into account the load index of rubber, the most unpleasant consequences can occur. Among the common problems that cause a discrepancy between the weight of the machine and the rubber load index are the following points:

destruction of the rubber cord and blowing out various irregularities on the side surface or working part of the tire;
the fastest tread wear and uneven wear the working layer of rubber due to too much pressure;
the inability to properly pump up the wheels in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
lack of normal driving, as the tires change the trajectory of the car;
decrease in the safety of vehicle operation for a number of reasons;
very bad influence on the braking distance - reduced rubber resistance during braking;
poor rolling and increased fuel consumption due to rolling resistance.

These are the unpleasant consequences that can happen simply because you did not take into account the curb weight of the car when buying tires or wheels. This once again proves that the indicator of the weight of the machine is quite important for the normal operation of the vehicle. It is worth writing down the curb weight of the car and dividing this value by four to select the optimal tires or wheels. After all, manufacturers indicate the maximum weight per tire in kilograms that one tire can withstand. To take our minds off the technicalities, here is a very entertaining video about one of the most unique cars in the world:

Summing up

All the technical characteristics of the car are very important during the operation of the car, so you should not throw away the papers given to you in the salon when buying a car as soon as the warranty period expires. The car will serve you for a long time and will not become a problem if you always remember what curb weight your car has, what consumables are better to buy, how much oil you need to fill, and so on. And in this regard, the curb weight remains a fairly important criterion that allows you to maintain high-quality machines and buy consumables and materials.

If you do not know the curb weight of the machine, you should always understand where it can be found. To do this, you need to keep at hand (in the bookmarks of the Internet browser in mobile phone, for example) a site with a full description of the technical characteristics different cars. In such a catalog you will find the necessary data on curb and gross weight, you can in any situation get information about which better details you to buy. Do you know what curb weight your car has?

What is the curb weight of the car

The curb weight of the car is the total, i.e. the total weight of the machine with a set of standard equipment, all its operating consumables that are needed (for example, coolant and engine oil), a fully filled tank of automotive fuel, the weight of the driver, but without the mass of cargo and the weight of passengers.

What is the gross weight of the machine

The total mass of the car, or, as it is also called, the gross permissible weight, is the mass of the car, which is the maximum allowable and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers, the weight of the entire equipped car, as well as the weight of the cargo that is transported by the car.

What is the difference between curb weight and gross vehicle weight?

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “stuff” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some are more careful and transport goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as “permissible gross vehicle weight” is used. Each car has its own highest permitted mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials that were used in the production process of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other load-bearing parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If this is not adhered to, then gradually during the operation of the car its body, bridge systems, as well as many other parts that are fixed to the car suspension will be deformed. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car - fuel, it will absorb much more.