The characteristic of the mass of the car is the primary criterion for fuel consumption and other indicators, which also affects all kinds of auto systems. Basic concepts regarding vehicle masses are usually taught in a driving school. However, for many car owners, this is a tricky question. In this article we will tell you what is the difference between the total mass and the equipped mass and what it is; as well as find out what the payload mass and the maximum permissible mass are.

Interesting fact! The dump truck BelAZ 75710 (Belarus) is considered to be the vehicle with the greatest weight. Its weight is 810 tons, and its carrying capacity is 450 tons. In 2014, this car transported a load of 503.5 tons and thus set a new Guinness Book record for Europe and the CIS.

What is the curb weight of a car

The curb weight of the vehicle is the weight of the vehicle, which takes into account the weight of the standard equipment (spare wheel, tools), the weight of all consumables (fuel, coolant, oil, etc.), but does not take into account the weight of the cargo, driver and passengers. In other words, the total value of the masses of all components of an empty vehicle filled to a full tank, which has all the standard equipment and the required fluid levels and means the unladen weight of the vehicle.

You can find the figure corresponding to the curb weight of your car in its data sheet, or among the technical characteristics of the model of your car.

Note!In many European countries, the driver's weight (75 kg) is included in the curb weight. Manufacturers are of the opinion that the presence of a driver is a prerequisite for the movement of a vehicle, and, therefore, its weight cannot be added to the payload.

The curb weight is also called the unloaded weight, while the total mass of the vehicle is considered the mass, which includes the weight of equipment, consumables, as well as the weight of the driver, the weight of passengers and cargo. That is, the difference between gross and curb weights lies in the weight of the driver, passengers and cargo carried by the vehicle.

We also mention such a concept as dry weight auto. This is the real weight of the machine as a structure, device, mechanism. In other words, it is the total actual unladen weight of the vehicle without any consumable fluids.

Payload mass

Now we will talk about such an important technical and basic operational characteristic of vehicles as the carrying capacity, in other words, the mass of the payload. This is the total weight of all cargo (corresponding to the general technical and operational characteristics of the vehicle) that the vehicle is carrying. By setting the permissible maximum axle load of the rolling stock per meter of track, you can determine the estimated payload mass of the vehicle.

Conventionally, the carrying capacity can be divided into estimated and nominal... If the calculated one takes into account only the permissible weight that the vehicle can carry, then the rated one also takes into account the quality of the road. On a hard surface, it can be from 0.5 tons (for passenger cars) to more than 28 tons (for dump trucks).

Did you know? In some types of vehicles, a certification plate is attached to the door frame, which indicates the technical data, including the weight of the maximum permissible load on each axle.

Maximum permissible (gross) weight

If we talk about the permissible maximum mass of a vehicle, then this is the mass of the equipped and extremely loaded vehicle, provided by the developer. The weight of the driver and passengers is also taken into account. Each brand and model has its own maximum permissible weight, which depends on the materials used in the manufacture of the car, body structure and other auto parts.

Important! It is advisable not to exceed the permissible maximum of this indicator in order to avoid deformation of the body and problems with the suspension.

The traffic rules also state that the permitted maximum mass of a road train means the sum of the maximum permissible masses of all vehicles that make up the train. It is also worth mentioning that since 2015, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced some restrictions for trucks aimed at preserving the integrity of the roadway. As stated in Decree No. 8669 of 21.10: for the carriage of divisible goods, the maximum permitted mass of a truck is no more than 40 tons, which applies to public roads.

As you can see, all concepts are extremely simple and understandable. We hope that all of the above will be useful to you and there will be no confusion.

Very often in the automotive world, you can find two terms that relate to the mass of a car - this is the curb weight of the car and its permissible gross weight. What kind of masses are they and, as they say, what they are eaten with, we were told in detail in a driving school. However, over time, all concepts are forgotten, and confusion begins. To put everything in its place, explaining what the curb weight of a car is, my article today will help.

To begin with, the indicators of the mass of the car are one of the determining factors in the fuel consumption of the car and some other characteristics of the car, and also have a significant impact on the operation of many systems of the car. And you can easily find the values ​​of the curb weight of the car in the technical characteristics of the model of your car, as well as in its data sheet.

In general curb weight- this is the mass of the car without the driver and passengers, but includes its standard equipment, consumables, for example, engine oil, engine coolant, and also includes a full tank of fuel.

The curb weight of the vehicle must be distinguished from the gross vehicle weight and dry weight. Dry weight of the vehicle less equipped by the amount of fuel, consumables and some equipment. In other words, this is the mass of an unloaded and unladen vehicle.

Permissible gross vehicle weight- this is the mass of the maximum loaded car provided by the manufacturers. It is also often called the permitted maximum mass. If you want your car to serve you for a long time, then it is better not to exceed this indicator, since excessive overloading negatively affects the car body and suspension parts.

A car with a full luggage compartment and the maximum number of passengers (provided by the design).

In other words, it is the maximum permissible vehicle weight. Subtracting the curb weight from the total mass, you can get the carrying capacity of your car.

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See what "Gross vehicle weight" is in other dictionaries:

Gross vehicle weight- 3.12. The total mass of the vehicle is the sum of the curb weight of the vehicle and the combat crew transported by it, including the driver, fire fighting equipment, fire-fighting equipment, declared by the manufacturer of the PA in the normative technical documentation. A source:… …

full mass- 3.29. Gross weight: The mass of the AL in a fully fueled state, equipped with fire-fighting technical weapons (PTV), tools and a spare wheel with a combat crew and a driver. Source: GOST R 52284 2004: Fire ladders. General… … Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

The sum of the curb weight of the PA and the personnel of the combat crew transported by it, fire extinguishing agents, fire-fighting equipment, declared by the manufacturer of the PA in the ND. Source: GOST R 12.2.144 2005 EdwART. Glossary of terms and definitions for security and ... ... Emergency Dictionary

Full weight of PA- 2.33. The total mass of the PA is the sum of the curb weight of the vehicle and the combat crew transported by it, including the driver, fire extinguishing agents, fire-fighting equipment, declared by the enterprise by the manufacturer of the fire vehicle in the normative ... ... Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

gross weight of the fire truck- 3.9. the total mass of the fire engine: The sum of the curb weight of the PA and the personnel of the combat crew transported by it, fire extinguishing agents, fire-fighting equipment, declared by the manufacturer of the PA in the ND. Source: GOST R 12.2.144 2005 ... Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

Car for passenger cars The weight of the equipped car (with fuel, oil and water and equipment with a spare wheel, tool) with a driver, passengers and cargo (at the rate of 10 kg for each seat); for other vehicles ... ... Big Encyclopedic Polytechnic Dictionary

Fire truck full weight- The total mass of a fire engine: the sum of the curb weight of the PA and the personnel of the combat crew transported by it, fire extinguishing agents, fire-fighting equipment, declared by the manufacturer of the PA in the ND ...

In the automotive industry and everything that is connected with this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of a car. These two characteristics are those that are sure to be told about in theoretical classes held in an automotive school. Nevertheless, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or have simply forgotten what lies under this terminology.

What is the curb weight of a car

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

What is the gross vehicle weight

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

What is the difference between curb 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. Unlike the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its total weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of those goods that are in it (transported).

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 “store” 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 solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturing company, the materials used in the production of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other supporting parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If you do not adhere to this, then gradually during the operation of the car, its body, bridge systems, as well as many other parts that are fixed to the car's 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 significantly more.

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

Classification of passenger cars

I would like to note that the classification of passenger cars, both of the class of wheeled vehicles and within this class, is in itself rather arbitrary: some cars can be "transitional" between classes, or 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 the 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, has now grown to the point where it brought to life the BMW 1 Series.

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 passenger class cannot have a gross weight of more than 3500 kg, and in the USA - 8600 pounds (3904 kg); in the Federal Republic of Germany, a passenger car with a station wagon or a hatchback body, subject to the dismantling of the rear seats and belts and the painting of the rear side windows, can be registered as a truck; in the United States, for a long time, all off-road vehicles were considered a “truck”, regardless of weight and size; the customs regulations of the Russian Federation require that an imported vehicle with a maximum permissible 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 light vehicle - if the mass of the driver and passengers exceeds the permissible mass of the payload ; etc.

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 - 4.4 m. 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 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

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

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

• SUVs... 3- or 5-door station wagons, rarely with a removable soft top. The capacity is 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

• Open body... Convertibles, Roadsters and Spiders

In real life, you can also classify cars by purpose.

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

These cars are not intended for racing, but are designed to provide increased driving pleasure to their owner. The range of "sports" solutions can start from the manufacturer's installation 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" (aka "SUVs") is intermediate between passenger and SUVs.

These cars have increased cross-country ability relative to "passenger cars", but do not have a full set of off-road qualities and do not allow to overcome serious off-road conditions. - "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.

It is interesting that there is a tendency to "return" to the function of a passenger car: for example, on the basis of the popular Opel Corsa, the Opel Combo cargo van was created, 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 , previously a cargo compartment, passenger seats are installed. Such a car (like many competitors) differs from a purely "passenger passenger" progenitor by a much more spacious interior and a high ceiling.

Classification of other passenger cars

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

Passenger cars are passenger cars with a capacity of up to 8 people, including the driver.

Passenger cars are classified by purpose, by class, by general layout, by type of body.

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

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

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

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

The classic layout assumes that the engine is located above the axle of the front wheels. The wheel arrangement of such cars is 4x2. The drive to the drive wheels of the rear axle is carried out by means of a propeller shaft. For example: VAZ-2107 "Lada", GAZ-3110 "Volga".

Front-wheel drive layout scheme became known in our country relatively recently. In this scheme, the engine and transmission are located directly above the front axle, representing a common power unit with a torque output to the front wheels. At the same time, the entire unit is compactly located in the front part of the body. Wheel formula: 2x4. Examples: VAZ-2170 "Priora", KamAZ-11113 "Oka". The all-wheel drive layout "assumes the location of the engine and the drive on the rear axle similarly to the classical scheme, and a transfer case, center differential and a second propeller shaft are provided for the front axle drive. Examples:" Chevrolet - Niva ", UAZ Hunter.

According to the number of compartments in the body, domestic cars are divided into two-volume (VAZ-2120 "Nadezhda", VAZ-2111 "Lada", BA3-21093 "Samara") and three-volume (GAZ-3102 "Volga", VAZ-2115 "Samara") ...

The class of a car depends on the engine displacement, expressed in liters, and on its unloaded weight. Limiting indicators for classes are given in table.

Division of passenger cars by class

European classification of passenger cars

Extra small cars 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 and van.

Basic passenger car models are assigned a four-digit index, in which the first digit indicates the vehicle class, the second indicates the vehicle type, and the third and

the fourth indicates its model number. Additional numbers may be added to the index to indicate modifications to basic vehicle models.

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

For example: VAZ-21109 "Consul", where VAZ is the Volga Automobile Plant; 2 - vehicle class; 1 - type (passenger); 10 - base model number; 9 - modification number (4-seater limousine) "Consul" - trade mark.

One of the key characteristics of a car is its weight. The weight of a vehicle directly affects fuel consumption and the performance of many of the systems in the vehicle.

Choosing a new car for themselves, many buyers think about the question of its curb, full and maximum permissible weights. After all, vehicles are often used to transport passengers and large loads. If the machine is not designed for the required loads, it will be unsuitable for the planned mode of operation.

It is corny that the driver must understand how many passengers and luggage he can take on board, so as not to harm his car, not to provoke a breakdown of the suspension or other components due to overload.

The basic concepts of vehicle mass characteristics are described in theoretical terms. Many do not consider such information useful, but they come across it after a while. Because of this, motorists have difficulties when studying this issue.

Curb weight concept

This is the most common concept that automakers, official dealers focus on and which drivers themselves look at.

The curb weight of any car is the weight or mass of a vehicle, which includes the weight of all standard equipment, operating materials, but does not take into account the weight of the cargo, passengers and the driver.

Standard equipment usually includes stock and tools. As for operating materials, they consider fuel, engine and transmission oil, coolants and other components.

You can describe in a slightly different way what the curb weight is in any factory car. This is the total weight of the components of a vehicle empty in terms of cargo, driver and passengers, but with a full fuel tank and all standard tools, equipment and fluids. In fact, this is a car in the form that is supplied to car dealerships. It contains all the essentials, but there is nothing superfluous that the car owner himself will gradually accumulate.

Determining the value of this characteristic is not difficult. This is due to the fact that the curb weight, like the gross vehicle weight, is often. But they mean different parameters. Therefore, first you should look at the technical data sheet. Also, such information is available even before buying a car, since manufacturers and sellers must prescribe these parameters in the list of technical characteristics.

It is important to add that the EU has adopted a slightly different norm, according to which the driver's weight is included in the total unladen weight. This takes into account the standard weight of 75 kilograms.

The decision is quite reasonable and has a logical explanation. The point is that the movement of a vehicle will be impossible in the absence of a person in it, that is, a driver. It is considered a significant component of the car, which is why automakers find it wrong to classify drivers as payloads.

Curb weight has a different name. This is the unloaded mass. As for the total mass of the vehicle, then everything is somewhat different.

It is precisely in the concept of total mass that the weight of equipment, consumables, driver, cargo and passengers is additionally included. From here it is not difficult to tell the difference between the two. It consists in the weight characteristics of the passengers in the car, the driver himself and the cargo located in the cabin or luggage compartment.

Another important characteristic is considered to be the dry weight of a vehicle. It includes the net weight of the machine itself, its structure. In this case, the weight of standard equipment, fuel, consumable fluids should be subtracted from the unladen weight. Then we get that very dry mass.

Calculation features

Each country has the right to use its own formula to determine the curb weight of a particular vehicle. This is not surprising, since such a criterion is key for the admission of vehicles to areas where there are weight restrictions. This primarily applies to bridges, as well as dams and other similar structures.

As already noted, in Europe, the average weight of a motorist is additionally added, that is, an indicator of the average weight of a person. This way you can better generate data on the weight of the car.

If we talk about the rules for the Russian Federation, then when calculating the curb weight, the following points are taken into account:

• 75 kilograms. As in the case of the European Union, in Russia there is a rule for adding the average indicator of a person's weight to the curb weight. It is based on the simple concept that the driver is an indispensable component for the movement of the vehicle;
• if these are trucks or buses intended for, with a structurally provided place for a crew member, also add 75 kilograms;
• instruments. The curb weight must include a list of tools necessary for the motorist;
• 90%. It is this volume of the filled fuel tank that is included in the curb weight. If we take a standard tank volume of 60 liters and roughly calculate the mass of fuel, it turns out that about 55 kilograms are taken into account as a surcharge to the curb weight;
• spare wheel. The spare wheel is an obligatory component;
• jack, fire extinguisher, etc.

Summing all these parameters with dry weight, the final value is obtained, which is indicated in the technical documentation of the car.

It is worth noting the fact of the existence of special formulas that allow you to individually calculate the curb weight. This is especially true for freight vehicles that pass through special points for the weighing procedure. If you subtract the curb weight from the weights, you can find out about the exact weight of the load, the maximum weight and other characteristics.

Therefore, in certain situations, the controlling services use calculation formulas to determine this parameter.

Why is it important to know

There are a number of life situations of a motorist when he needs or just needs to know exactly the parameters of the curb weight of his vehicle.

Each machine has a certain limit on the weight of the transported and towed cargo. If you get stuck and ask the driver of a car that is technically unable to handle such loads to tow you, the consequences will be negative for both parties.

Also, the curb weight must be remembered when passing difficult sections, bridges, dangerous places, etc. On the roads there are special warning signs showing the maximum weight you can drive here.

Payload mass concept

Having dealt with the concepts of the mass of a car without a load, we are now interested in a slightly different mass of the car. Experts and ordinary motorists believe that the most significant from the point of view of vehicle operation is such a characteristic as carrying capacity. It is also called payload mass. But the concept of carrying capacity is clearer and simpler. This will not change the essence in any way.

The carrying capacity of a vehicle is understood as the total weight of all cargo transported by a vehicle, which meets the operational and general technical characteristics of the vehicles.

It is important to take into account the division of the mass of the payload into nominal and calculated.

In the case of the calculated one, only the weight is taken into account that is maximally capable of transporting a particular vehicle. In the case of the nominal, the quality of the road surface on which the cargo is transported is necessarily taken into account. If this is a hard surface, then cars are capable of transporting from 500 kg. cargo and more. In the case of trucks and dump trucks, figures appear in the region of 25-30 tons.

Total mass concept

Next, let's figure out what, according to the rules, is called the permissible maximum or gross vehicle weight. Many people identify such concepts as the curb and gross weight of a car or truck. But this is not entirely correct.

There is a significant difference between these meanings, which cannot be overlooked. This will be a serious mistake.

If we talk about what the full or maximum permissible mass of a car means, then here we mean the weight of the equipped and extremely loaded vehicle, which was laid down at the stage of model design. Additionally, the weight of the driver and his passengers is taken into account.

Each individual brand and specific vehicle model has its own indicators of permissible or gross weight. In many ways, this characteristic depends on what materials were used in the production of body parts, interior elements and other components.

Mm (maximum mass) = msn. (equipped) + Mgr.p. (cargo and passengers) + Мв. (driver)

It is highly discouraged to violate the requirements for maximum vehicle loading. If there is too much cargo and people on board, which exceeds the load prescribed in the technical documentation, this will lead to serious problems. The suspension will be the first to suffer. The risk of encountering deformations of the body itself also increases.

Differences between full and equipped

In order to finally understand these concepts, it is necessary to make some clarity regarding the equipped and total mass. Many people know that these concepts are different, but how exactly they differ, they cannot say for sure.

It's all about what exactly is included in the general indicators of the two characteristics. If compared with the parameters of the curb weight, then the full weight of the motorist himself, that is, the driver, passengers on board, etc., will be additionally taken into account.

It cannot be denied that not all people meet the standards laid down in the technical parameters. Weight of 75 kilograms is considered an average, since the driver can weigh both 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms. People are different, and hence the difference in their weight arises.

The situation is similar with the transported baggage and cargo. Someone practically does not use the luggage compartment, and at most transports several packages from the supermarket a couple of times a week. Others regularly fill the trunk as much as possible with various objects, things and goods. It comes to the point that the rear suspension lowers from such a load, and the car barely gets under way.

This difference in characteristics has led to the active use of the concept of permissible total mass. Each separately taken vehicle has a limit mark in terms of congestion, which the structure does not allow to cross. This was foreseen by car manufacturers even at the design and production stage.

The more a vehicle is loaded, the more intensively the fuel is consumed, the consumption of not only gasoline, but also oil increases, the tires wear out faster, the wear of the suspension elements and the engine itself accelerates.

This does not mean at all that the car cannot be used as a means of transporting baggage or passengers. There is no need to prohibit anyone other than the driver from getting into the car. But it is necessary to adhere to the maximum loads established by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you run the risk of serious breakdowns, body deformation and other troubles.

In fact, all the concepts considered are quite simple. It will not be difficult to understand them and determine the difference.