How Much Does A Car Weigh? Here's What To Know
Photo by Joey Banks on Unsplash
Cars are massive machines, barreling down the road at high speeds. They also come in varying sizes, each with a different weight that will impact how they drive. If you’re interested in a vehicle, you might wonder - how much does a car weigh? How will the weight of your vehicle impact your time as an owner or how it drives?
If you’re interested in learning more about how much a vehicle weighs, you’ve come to the right place. Although this characteristic might not seem significant, it should matter to you. Read on to learn more about how much a typical vehicle weighs, what different types of cars weigh, why you need to know the weight, and other critical information.
How Much Does A Car Weigh?
So, how much does a car weigh? Every vehicle is a different size. There are compact, mid-size, and full-size vehicles, among others. Just from observation, it’s clear that some weigh more than others.
According to insurancenavy.com, here are the typical weights for various vehicle sizes:
- Smart car: 1,500 pounds
- Subcompact car: 2,600 pounds
- Compact car: 2,600-3,000 pounds
- Midsize car: 3,300 pounds
- Large car: 4,400 pounds
- Subcompact SUV: 3,000-3,500 pounds
- Midsize truck/SUV: 3,500-6,000 pounds
- Large SUV: 5,400-6,000 pounds
- Compact truck: 5,000-5,500 pounds
There are various car sizes and weights associated with each of them.
There are varying factors that contribute to the variation in car weight. Some vehicles are made of different materials, some more compact than others. Different cars are larger and carry their weight differently. Whatever the reason, you can expect these averages when investing in a vehicle.
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Different Types of Car Weight
Of course, the weights listed above are typical for these cars. However, it isn’t the only way to measure the weight of your vehicle. Various companies use different modes of measuring, so it’s helpful to be aware of all available options.
According to jdpower.com, here are the different types of car weights:
- Curb Weight: This weight is the car without passengers, cargo, and other equipment placed inside the vehicle at the time of measurement.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This weight is the vehicle and the passengers, cargo, and equipment at the time of measurement.
- Gross Vehicle Weight: This weight is the maximum number your vehicle can handle before it incurs damage.
- Payload: This item includes the gross weight of your vehicle and everything it’s carrying at the time of measurement.
Each is a valuable form of measurement in its way.
You may run into varying circumstances in your time as an owner of a car and a driver, and each type of weight measurement will benefit you at different times. Ensure you memorize these for later use.
Why Should You Know Car Weight?
When considering the question - how much does a car weigh - you might wonder why it matters. Do you really need to know how much a vehicle weighs? What benefits will this knowledge bring to your time as a driver? There are more than you might initially understand.
Here are a few benefits to understanding the weight of your vehicle:
- You can understand the gross vehicle rating permitted in every state, so you don’t go beyond them.
- You know how much danger you are in in a crash and how many bridges you can go over with your weight.
- You can accurately go through various routine maintenance.
- You will understand your payload.
- You will know the impact on your fuel economy.
There are many good reasons to understand the weight.
Even if you never end up using it, it’s ideal to understand the measurement. It will come in handy during many moments of your life.
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How Can You Understand Your Car’s Weight?
It’s helpful to know the weight of your vehicle, but that’s easier said than done. Most people don’t own a scale capable of taking on machine measurements and there are many auto locations to choose from. Where is the best place to go to learn the weight of your vehicle as it stands?
If you check your car manual, there should be a section that will let you know more about the weight of your vehicle. There should also be a sticker on the driver’s side door that may also have this information listed for you to see.
If you can’t find any of these options, you might also want to head to the manufacturer’s website. You may also head to a junkyard to have them complete an official weigh-in.
Does Car Weight Impact Mileage?
When considering the question - how much does a car weigh - you might wonder if the weight impacts the mileage your vehicle is capable of on the road. The simple answer is yes - the more your car weighs and the more weight inside your vehicle, the less distance you can drive before a fill-up is necessary.
According to energy.gov, weight will have a significant impact on the mileage you are capable of attaining on the highway. If you add an additional 100 pounds to your car, it might reduce the MPG by 2%. It’s critical to take care before loading up your vehicle, especially if you are going on a long road trip and need to take advantage of every possible mile.
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Final Thoughts
It’s helpful to understand the weight of your vehicle, no matter what car you own and what you carry daily. We hope you know the various weights of different car sizes, why it matters that you understand this number, how to gather your car’s weight, and other valuable information any owner should know.
We hope this information was valuable! It’s helpful to know your car’s weight and might even impact your driving. Although it might seem like a statistic that doesn’t matter much, it will influence items like your ability to go over a bridge and how you will last if you get into a car accident. Take care with your car selection.
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