How much does a car weigh?
Did you know that the weight of your car could impact the driving experience? Learn how much an average car weighs, the weight based on model, and how to find out what your car weighs.
From Smart Cars to Lincoln Navigator, the weight of your car impacts collision safety, fuel economy and the handling of your car on road. Learn more below.
What is the average weight of a car?
In 2021, the average car weighs approximately 3300 pounds. In the United States the average car weight has increased in recent years, meaning newer cars actually weigh more than older models.
Average weight of car based on model
As you probably guessed, car weight varies from model to model. A sedan is going to weigh less than a SUV. Find out what popular vehicle models weigh below:
● Tesla Model S: 4647 lbs
● Jeep Wrangler: 3948 lbs
● Mini Cooper: 2820 lbs
● Honda Civic: 3120 lbs
● Chevrolet Silverado: 6800 lbs
● Lincoln Navigator: 5995 lbs
Different weights and what they mean
● Curb Weight:
● This is the weight of the car without the driver, passenger, and cargo.
● Gross Vehicle Weight:
● The weight of the car with all cargo and passengers inside.
● Gross Axle Weight:
● The weight that is supported by each axle.
● Payload Weight:
● The weight of the car including the equipment, passengers, and anything you are towing.
● Gross Combined Weight:
● This measurement includes the weight of your car and the trailer you are towing.
What are weight ratings?
Weight ratings are the recommended maximum weight the car can hold in the form of passengers, cargo, and weight of anything you tow. This is determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Weight ratings include:
● Maximum amount of weight car can hold in passengers and cargo
● Gross Load Trailer Weight Rating:
● Maximum amount of weight car can tow
● Gross Axle Weight Rating:
● Maximum amount of weight car axles can support
Why you should know the weight of your car
Knowing the weight of your car isn’t just to feed your curiosity. There are many reasons to know this information including the following:
Weight restrictions on the road
Some roads have a weight restriction, including bridges and overpasses. If you know the weight of your car, you’ll be able to use your best judgement on whether or not your car is over the amount the bridge can carry. These weight restrictions are to prevent road damages like pot holes and crack in the asphalt, as well as to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge.
Fuel efficiency
The heavier your car is the worse it is on gas. If you’re looking for a fuel efficient car the lighter and smaller the better. According to a recent study by MIT, for every 100-kg reduction in weight, the combined city or highway fuel consumption could decrease by about 0.4 L/100 km.
Collision safety
Car accidents are never expected but unfortunately they do happen, and if it happens to you, you definitely want to make sure you’re in the safest car possible. Car weight pays an important role in your safety during a collision. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLSI) a heavier car provides better protection in an accident than a smaller, lighter one.
The weight of the car has a direct effect on the way two vehicles collide. The heavier vehicle will push the lighter one backward or forward during impact. This means there is less force on the passengers inside the larger vehicle.
How to find out the weight of your car
There are many ways to find out how much your car weighs. You can find out the weight of your car the following ways:
● Perhaps the easiest way to find out the weight of your car, the driver side door will have a data sticker on the frame. This sticker lists the weight of your car.
● Vehicle manual:
● The manual that came with your car when you purchased it will have the car’s weight listed in the specifications section.
● Manufacturer:
● If you have misplaced your manual, you can always call the manufacturer of your car with year, make and model, so they can look up the correct information.
● Car scale:
● As a last resort you can visit your local mechanics shop and get your car weighed on a car scale. Please note that this scale weighs everything including cargo and passengers in the car.
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Jennifer D'agostino
January 23rd, 2022