When it comes to loading the car for a long trip, safety and comfort play a crucial role. Correct loading can not only prevent accidents, but also ensure that passengers are not disturbed by luggage slipping while on the move.
Total weight, heavy and loose items
Consumers should find out in advance about the permissible total weight of their vehicle. The permissible total weight of a vehicle is an important quantity that is set by the manufacturer and documented in the vehicle’s registration certificate or operating instructions. It includes the vehicle’s own weight as well as the weight of the occupants, fuel and luggage, including all attachments and roof loads.
This weight represents the maximum load the vehicle can safely support without compromising its structure or performance. Exceeding this value can have various negative effects. For example, increased wear can occur, especially on the brakes and tires, which are subject to greater strain under the increased weight. If extremely overloaded, the tires can even burst.
The positioning of objects in the vehicle can also have a significant impact on driving stability and safety. Heavy objects should always be placed at the bottom and as close to the center of the vehicle as possible to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity as low and central as possible.
A low and central center of gravity improves the stability of the vehicle and minimizes the risk of a rollover when cornering or making sudden evasive maneuvers. A high or sideways center of gravity, on the other hand, can increase the vehicle’s lean when cornering and increase the risk of tipping over.
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can become dangerous projectiles during abrupt maneuvers such as emergency braking or an accident. They can fly through the vehicle and injure the occupants or distract the driver, increasing the risk of an accident.
It is therefore important that all items in the vehicle are stored safely. Smaller items should be stored in designated spaces in the vehicle, such as the glove compartment, side pockets, or seat back pockets.
Lashing straps or trunk nets can be used for larger items and luggage. They can help hold items securely in place and prevent them from slipping while driving or flying around in the event of an abrupt change in vehicle motion.
Clear view and trailer if required
A clear view is a fundamental requirement for safe driving. It is not only required by law, but also essential for safety reasons, that the view through the front, rear and side windows as well as the mirrors of a vehicle is not restricted by luggage or other objects. If it is not possible to see through the rear window due to luggage or a trailer, rear visibility must be provided via two exterior mirrors.
When loading a vehicle, care should be taken to ensure that the luggage is placed in such a way that it does not obstruct the driver’s view. This affects the rear window, but also the side windows and the area behind the driver.
A trailer can be a practical solution when there is not enough storage space in a vehicle to accommodate all of your luggage. However, the permissible total weight of the vehicle and the maximum permissible trailer load must also be taken into account here.
Driving with a trailer requires additional skills and attention. For example, braking distances and driving behavior change, and more space is required for maneuvers such as cornering or parking.
In addition, a trailer must be correctly coupled to the towing vehicle and the load must be securely fastened to prevent the load from slipping or losing while driving. In many countries, driving with a trailer requires a special class of license and has specific traffic rules and speed limits.
Editorial team finanzen.net