People often ask, “How heavy is my car?” Some people also question the importance of vehicle weight
If any of these thoughts crossed your mind, you’re in the right place because we’re here to give you the answers you’re looking for
The weight of the car depends on the make and model and the year of manufacture
You can find out the exact weight of your vehicle in one of these ways –
Are vehicles today heavier than in years past?
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the average car between 2004 and 2018 was 4,000 pounds
What is the weight of your car?
Determine the weight of your car:
You can find a nearby scale at a motor vehicle inspection site and at scrap yards
Owner’s manuals serve a greater purpose than just letting you know how your car works
You can find the curb weight of the car in the specifications section of the car manual
If you’ve lost your manual or if there wasn’t one with your vehicle, don’t worry
You can always search online at a site like OnlyManuals to find a free manual for the make, year, and model of your car
If your owner’s manual does not list the curb weight of your vehicle, look at the driver’s side door
This sticker usually includes the curb weight as well as the gross vehicle weight (GVWR)
The gross vehicle weight is the total weight limit set by the manufacturer for a specific vehicle
GVWR takes into account both the curb weight of the car and the weight including passengers, cargo and optional accessories
You should never confuse GVWR with GVW, which is the gross vehicle weight
The total weight of the vehicle varies as it is the curb weight plus other equipment, passengers and cargo
Calling the manufacturer is the easiest way to find out the weight of your car
Have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy when you call so the manufacturer can easily look up the exact year and model of your vehicle
You can also sometimes find the curb weight of your vehicle on the manufacturer’s website
Why is it important to know the weight of your car?
Knowing the weight of your vehicle is important for several reasons
Some bridges have specific weight limits and knowing the weight of your vehicle means you won’t make the mistake of driving over a bridge that can’t support your car enough
If you know the weight of your car, you also know how much weight the vehicle can carry without overloading it
Each state has specific GVWR ratings, so avoid exceeding the accepted ratings for an overloaded vehicle
According to the EPA, for every 100 pounds subtracted from a car’s weight, approximately 1-2% is added to its fuel economy
In other words, the lighter your car weighs, the more you’ll save on cash and fuel
Finally, knowing your vehicle’s curb weight helps the mechanic perform routine maintenance by knowing which tools and lifts can handle the vehicle’s weight
Are cars heavier these days?
Yes Cars are heavier these days
The average vehicle weight in 2017 was 4,044 pounds
Upon further investigation, it was found that the average car in 2003 weighed 4,021 pounds
Aside from the above study, there are other reasons why today’s rides are heavier than previous cars
Base models and current cars are equipped with countless features that make driving comfortable and less stressful
Modern cars are also equipped with various safety equipment such as door beams, airbags and laminated glass
Technology used in modern cars for safety, such as tire pressure monitoring systems and anti-lock brakes, also contributes to the weight
Whether your car is heavy or light depends on the type of material it is made of, as well as the size of the car
Weight affects whether you have a small, medium or full size vehicle
For example, consider the weight of these popular vehicles (from smallest to largest) as a comparison:
The Nissan Micra weighs 2,600 pounds
The Toyoda Corolla weighs 2,800 pounds
The Honda HR-V weighs 2,906 pounds
The Hyundai Sonata weighs 3,247 pounds
The Subaru Forester weighs 3,449 pounds
The Dodge Charger weighs 3,943 pounds
The Audi A8 weighs 4,400 pounds
The Audi A8 weighs 4,400 pounds
The Chevy Tahoe weighs 5,355 pounds
Lighter models are faster
The energy required to move an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration
Basically, the less mass something has, the less energy it takes to move it
Lighter cars need less gas to move and have lower fuel consumption
Auto companies in the US must meet federally mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings
By reducing excess weight from the car, car manufacturers also meet this requirement
How do I start my car?
Make your car lighter by fitting lighter body panels
If your car has aluminum or steel body panels, consider replacing them with replacement products made from GRP or glass fiber reinforced plastic
Replace your existing set of wheels with a lighter one
The benefits of lighter wheels go beyond making your car lighter
Lean on more comfort when choosing the equipment level for your car
Keeping electronics to a minimum, such as additional speakers, large infotainment screens and power seat controls, will reduce the overall weight of your vehicle
Don’t overlook exterior features like extra chrome, bigger wheels and electronic door sills that add weight
By forgoing the lavish perks offered in higher trim levels, you can reduce the overall weight of your car model
The weight of the car varies depending on several factors and can affect the fuel consumption and performance of the car
If you’re looking to lighten up, we hope you’ve taken away a few suggestions from this post to change the weight of your car
But if you’re happy with your car’s current weight, keep driving safely!