The curb weight of the car is the starting weight equivalent

In the field of cars and everything connected with them, there are two such concepts, as the gross weight and the curb weight of the car. These are two characteristics, which are always told on the theoretical lessons in a driving school, but many even the most inveterate drivers manage to forget this terminology. In order to understand what all this means and how it affects the machine itself, let's try to consider this issue in detail.

Brief interpretation of the term

So, the curb weight of the car is the cumulative weight of the car. It includes all running parts, all electrical equipment, interior filling (including audio and video equipment), as well as consumables such as engine 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 parts that do not affect the operation of the running system of the machine. Based on the term itself, it can be understood that this is the "equipment" itself, that is, equipment that provides full readiness for the process of movement, braking, slipping, and so on.

Full and curb weight of the car: differences

In contrast to the curb weight, the full also includes the mass of the driver, passengers and the goods transported. 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 stuff a car so that it does not move from its place. That is why among motorists the concept of "permissible gross vehicle mass" is most often used. Each car has a higher solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials used in the structure, as well as the structure of the body and other load-bearing parts. It is important not to load your machine so that this indicator is exceeded. Otherwise, the body will gradually deform, as well as bridge systems and other parts that are attached to the suspension.

Exceptions to engine rules

As already mentioned above, the curb weight of a car is the weight that is inherent to it when fully equipped, with all supplies and accessories. However, in some European countries, the weight of the driver is also included in this weight unit, but only if it does not exceed 75 kilograms. The Europeans came to this conclusion because it is the driver that causes the car to move, and without it the driving process will become impossible. In Russia, the curb weight of the car is, besides all the parts mentioned, also a spare wheel, tools that can be useful on the road in case of an accident or breakdown, and sometimes a canister with spare fuel.

The weight of the machine and its maximum speed threshold

It is also known from the lessons of physics 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, a considerable share is occupied by the motor, injectors and everything that provides fast acceleration of the sports car. However, its body is small, there are only two armchairs in the cabin, there is no luggage compartment. The mass of the jeep is two, and even three times more, it has five or six seats, a multi-liter trunk. A lot of space is occupied also by the fuel tank, the volume of which is always extremely large. Logically, the Audi TT RS will move faster and more maneuverable than the Infiniti FX 35.