Full load and curb condition of the vehicle. The curb weight of the car is. See what "Gross vehicle weight" is in other dictionaries

A question from a reader:

« Good day. Help me deal with the weight of the car! There are many different indicators, the head is spinning, and two are indicated in the TCP! For example - what is the permissible vehicle weight? What is no load? And the last thing is the curb weight of the car? Thanks in advance. Luda»

The question is really interesting. I will try to explain in simple words, read our article ...

To begin with, it is worth noting that this is a very important characteristic. With this value, it is possible to calculate the fuel consumption as well as the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. For example, a car with the same technical component (engine power and identical transmissions) may differ in dynamics due to the weight of the car. Even a difference of 20 - 50 kg can greatly affect the dynamics of the car, the difference can be 1-2 seconds, and this is significant. That is why all unnecessary things are removed from racing cars in order to lighten the body as much as possible, and accordingly increase the dynamics of the car. Also - the lighter your car, the less it consumes. If the car body is light, the engine does not need to push the heavy body at high revs, medium revs are enough and the speed is reached, therefore the consumption is less.

As you can see, mass influences a lot. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to lighten the bodies of modern cars as much as possible, using stronger and lighter materials such as aluminum alloys, carbon, etc.

But as you rightly noted in the TCP, and in the car operation book, there are many different masses. Let's go in order.

Dry weight of the vehicle

Such a term is rarely used in everyday life; it is mainly used by manufacturers on test benches. "Dry" is the mass of the car, without equipment that is not rigidly attached, and also without oils (engine and transmission), without fluids (cooling, brake, washer fluid), without fuel, without tools, without passengers and without any cargo ... That is, almost a "naked" car.

Unladen mass (if fully - the mass of the car in the "curb" without load) sometimes also the curb mass of the car

Is in the designation in the TCP. No load (but in running order) is the mass of the car, without a driver and passengers, without cargo, but with a full supply of fuel, the necessary tools and spare consumables (jack, pump and spare wheel) and full equipment with fluids. That is, both gasoline and all oils and fluids (cooling, brake, washer fluid) are all there.

Permitted maximum weight (in TCP it is indicated as permissiblemax mass)

This is the maximum permissible mass established by the manufacturer with the driver and passengers, with cargo, with all liquids, with fuel, with tools, as well as with towing devices that affect the mass (trailers, motorhomes).

With this maximum mass, the car retains its technical properties, if you exceed it, then the movement may not be safe. The suspension may simply not be able to withstand. It should be noted that manufacturers take into account the driver and passengers weighing 75 - 80 kg.

These are the masses of the car obtained. I hope my article was useful to you.

We're sorry, but the requests from your IP address seem to be automatic. For this reason, we are forced to temporarily block access to the site.

To continue, please enter the characters from the picture in the input field and click "Submit".

Cookies are disabled in your browser... We will not be able to remember you and identify you correctly in the future. To enable cookies, follow the tips on this page.

It is possible that automatic requests do not belong to you, but to another user accessing the network from the same IP address. You need to enter the characters into the form once, after which we will remember you and be able to distinguish you from other users leaving this IP. In this case, the captcha page will not bother you for a long time.

Your browser may have add-ons that can make automatic search requests. In this case, we recommend that you disable them.

It is also possible that your computer is infected with a virus program that uses it to collect information. Maybe you should check your system for viruses.

If you have any problems or want to ask a question to our support service, please use the feedback form.

All about the curb weight of the car

In the world of cars, this term is very common. But not everyone may still know what the curb weight of a car is. Usually they talk about this in a driving school, but then everything gets confused, since the concepts are forgotten.

This term means the mass of a car without passengers, as well as without a driver. But this mass includes all the necessary equipment and consumables, take, for example, engine oil. A full tank of fuel, as well as the engine coolant, are also included in the curb weight of the car. That is, this is the weight of an empty vehicle, which is fully refueled and ready to go.

It is necessary to distinguish curb weight from dry weight and gross weight. Dry weight is the weight of an unloaded vehicle without equipment. And the gross vehicle weight is the weight of a fully loaded vehicle. It is better not to exceed such an indicator, then your car will always be in good condition.

How to find out the weight of the car. Curb vehicle weight and gross

In the automotive industry and everything that is connected with this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of a car. These two characteristics are those that are sure to be told about in theoretical classes held in an automobile school. Nevertheless, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or have simply forgotten what lies under this terminology.

What is the curb weight of a car

The curb weight of the vehicle is the total, i.e. the total weight of the car with a set of standard equipment, all its operating consumables that are required (for example, coolant and engine oil), a tank fully filled with vehicle fuel, the driver's weight, but without the weight of the cargo and the weight of the passengers.

What is the gross vehicle weight

The gross vehicle mass, or, as it is also called, the gross permissible mass is the mass of the car, which is the maximum permissible and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers, the mass of the entire equipped car, as well as the mass of the cargo that is transported by the car.

What is the difference between curb and gross vehicle weight

If you understand the differences between these two concepts, then the point is what exactly is included and summed up in the total mass indicator. Unlike the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its total weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, and the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of those goods that are in it (transported).

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “store” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some - are more careful and transport goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as "permissible total mass of the car" is used. Each car has its own highest solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials used in the production of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other supporting parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If you do not adhere to this, then gradually during the operation of the car, its body, bridge systems, as well as many other parts that are fixed to the car's suspension will be deformed. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car it will absorb significantly more fuel.

Passenger car - a car designed for the carriage of passengers and luggage, with a capacity of 2 to 8 people. If there are more seats for passengers, the car is considered a bus (minibus). The first car was created in 1876.

Classification of passenger cars

I would like to note that the classification of passenger cars, both in the class of wheeled vehicles and within this class, is in itself rather arbitrary: some cars can be "transitional" between classes, or even by all indications belong to two or more classes at the same time. ...

In addition, the classes themselves change their definition, the size of the cars, and so on. This is best illustrated by the constant physical growth of the same model line. For example, the BMW 3 Series, which debuted as a very compact car, has now grown to the point where it brought to life the BMW 1 Series.

In addition, the classification of cars is highly dependent on the specifics of the country's legislation. So, for example, in Russia, cars belonging to the passenger class cannot have a gross weight of more than 3500 kg, and in the USA - 8600 pounds (3904 kg); in Germany, a passenger car with a station wagon or hatchback body, provided that the rear seats and belts are dismantled and the rear side windows are painted over, can be registered as a truck; in the United States, for a long time, all off-road vehicles were considered a “truck”, regardless of weight and size; customs regulations of the Russian Federation require that an imported vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3,500 kg be registered as a truck - if the mass of the payload exceeds the mass of passengers and driver (75 kg per seat), and a light vehicle - if the mass of the driver and passengers exceeds the permissible mass of the payload ; etc.

Cars by class

• Class A. 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Small dimensions - length - no more than 3600, width - no more than 1520
• Class B. 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, rarely sedans, length 3500-3900, width 1520-1630

• Class C. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV. Length 3.9 - 4.4 m. Width 1.6 - 1.75m

• Class D. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon and high-capacity station wagons. Length 4.4 - 4.7 m. Width 1.7 - 1.8m

• Class E. Sedans and station wagons. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Class F. Sedans, limousines. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Minivans and high-capacity vehicles... Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV

• SUVs... 3- or 5-door station wagons, rarely with a removable soft top. The capacity is from 4 to 9 seats. The purpose is quite universal, although it can be very specific.

• Coupe... Coupe with a capacity of 2 or 4 seats

• Open body... Convertibles, Roadsters and Spiders

In real life, you can also classify cars by purpose.

"Passenger cars". Designed for the carriage of passengers and / or a small amount of cargo on roads with improved surface. They do not have increased cross-country ability (even with all-wheel drive!), Exit from the road or overcoming a small ford can be carried out exclusively "at the risk and peril" of the driver. The subclass "passenger cars" are "sports cars".

These cars are not race cars, but are designed to provide increased driving pleasure to their owner. The range of "sports" solutions can start from the manufacturer's installation of a "sports body kit" on an ordinary model (for example, Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC, Opel Vectra OPC-line), and ending with the release of highly dynamic models (Honda NSX, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborgini Murcelado ...) - "SUVs ".

This class of cars can be operated in real off-road conditions and is structurally adapted to this. - The now popular class of "crossovers" (aka "SUVs") is intermediate between passenger and SUVs.

These cars have increased cross-country ability relative to "passenger cars", but do not have a full set of off-road qualities and do not allow to overcome serious off-road conditions. - "commercial" cars are often created on the basis of "passenger cars", but at the same time they are intended mainly for the transportation of small consignments of goods in the interests of business, and not only.

Interestingly, there is a tendency to "return" to the function of a passenger car: for example, on the basis of the popular Opel Corsa, an Opel Combo cargo van was created, in which a volume of about 3m3 for cargo is organized behind the backs of the front seats, and the Opel Combo Tour is immediately offered, where , previously a cargo compartment, passenger seats are installed. Such a car (like many competitors) differs from a purely "passenger passenger" progenitor by a much more spacious interior and a high ceiling.

Classification of other passenger cars

G1 - coupe
G2 - premium coupe
H1 - convertibles and roadsters
H2 - premium convertibles and roadsters
I - off-road wagons
K1 - light off-road vehicles
K2 - medium SUVs
K3 - heavy off-road vehicles
K4 - pickups
L - minivans
M - small commercial

Passenger cars are passenger cars with a capacity of up to 8 people, including the driver.

Passenger cars are classified by purpose, by class, by general layout, by type of body.

By appointment, cars are divided into general purpose vehicles and off-road vehicles. The purpose depends on the ability of this model to move in various road conditions.

General purpose vehicles are intended for driving on roads of various categories, mainly on highways. General purpose vehicles include VAZ, GAZ, KIA, Volga and others.

Off-road vehicles can move off-road and are designed for operation not only on paved roads, but also in off-road conditions. Off-road vehicles include Niva and UAZ vehicles.

Depending on the general layout, domestic cars are divided into rear-wheel drive (classic layout), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

The classic layout assumes that the engine is located above the axle of the front wheels. The wheel formula of such cars is 4 × 2. The drive to the drive wheels of the rear axle is carried out by means of a propeller shaft. For example: VAZ-2107 Lada, GAZ-3110 Volga.

The class of a car depends on the engine displacement, expressed in liters, and on its unloaded weight. Limiting indicators for classes are given in table.

Division of passenger cars by classes

European classification of passenger cars

Extra small cars are designed for 4 people, other models - for 5 people.

According to the body type, modern domestic passenger cars can have a body type: sedan, hatchback, station wagon, pickup and van.

Basic passenger car models are assigned a four-digit index, in which the first digit indicates the vehicle class, the second indicates the vehicle type, and the third and

the fourth indicates its model number. Additional numbers may be added to the index to indicate modifications to basic vehicle models.

The full model designation includes the manufacturer's abbreviated name.

What is the curb weight of the car. Vehicle dimensions and weight

In the automotive industry, there are terms such as gross weight and unladen weight. These terms are the ones that driving schools are sure to talk about in theory. But, today, even many drivers with great experience do not remember or do not know about it. The curb weight of the car is the total weight of the car with the necessary equipment, all materials that are needed during the operation of the car, a full tank of fuel, the weight of the driver, but excluding the passenger weight and the weight of the cargo.

The total mass is the mass of the car, which is extremely possible and consists of: the weight of the driver and passengers, the mass of the equipped car, as well as the weight of the goods.

What is the difference between curb and gross vehicle weight

If you look at the differences between these concepts, then the whole point boils down to what exactly can be included and summed up in the general criterion of mass. Compared with the value of the curb weight of the car, in the indicator of its gross weight still appears the weight of the driver, and the weight of all passengers, as well as the weight of the carried baggage.

Gross vehicle weight = vehicle weight + weight of all people in the vehicle + cargo in the luggage compartment.

Curb weight = vehicle weight without additional loads.

Of course, each person's weight is different. The same can be attributed to luggage. Therefore, drivers use terms such as “gross vehicle weight”. Each car has its own highest permissible indicator, everything will depend on the manufacturer, the materials from which the car is made, as well as the shape of the car body, etc.

Do not overload the machine. If this is not observed, then during the use of the car, deformation of the body, bridge systems, and also other parts that need to be fixed to the suspension of the car will occur with it. And do not forget that under the condition of the full curb weight of the car, the fuel will be consumed in large volumes. Also, weight is always taken into account when using a two-post lift.

All of the above tips for motorists are quite important information, especially if the driver does not have sufficient driving experience behind him. They should not be neglected or ignored. Because sometimes even experienced drivers and chauffeurs perform certain actions that may not seem at first glance ridiculous and trifling, but which can lead to consequences. Therefore, be careful and careful when driving.

A car is a complex system that consists of many components. Thanks to their well-coordinated work, normal movement becomes possible. Electronics plays an increasingly important role in this structure every year.

The on-board network provides control and safety. In addition, in modern cars, a variety of sensors and computer systems are responsible for a huge number of processes.

Along with increased safety and comfort, speed limits are also increased. Some hundred years ago, cars could accelerate to a maximum of 40 miles per hour. Now they are able to reach 100 kilometers in 4 seconds, and this is not the limit.

Modern manufacturers spend a lot of money and time to improve aerodynamics and reduce weight. Unfortunately, motorists often forget about the last parameter. This is not surprising, because first of all, attention is focused on the amount of horsepower, appearance and number of cylinders.

But the weight is just as important. The less the car weighs, the faster it accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour. And the top speed limit goes up a lot. In addition, a car with a low weight is much easier to drive. It is easier to hold it on the track and take it out of corners. If the balancing is done correctly, of course.

How the weight of cars affected the engineering industry

Car manufacturers have long recognized the importance of low weight to performance. As a result, they tried their best to reduce the size of the main nodes. As proof, we can recall the invention of the V-shaped engine. It made it possible to halve the space under the hood of the car.

Attention! Increasingly, car manufacturers are using modern materials with high strength and low weight in their construction.

Take Lykan Hypersport as an example. Its body is made of carbon fiber. Thanks to this, the weight of the car is 1380 kilograms. In this case, the car accelerates to a hundred in 2.8 seconds.

Average weight table of popular cars

To understand that modern car manufacturers tend to reduce the weight of their creations, just look at the table below.

Curb weight (kg.)

3962, 452 (loaf)

Focus 2 (focus 2)

Focus 3 (focus 3)

Land Cruiser

Modern passenger cars rarely cross the 1,500 kilogram border. Of course, there are exceptions, like the same Ford Kuga, but they only to a greater extent confirm the general rule, which says that the less the car weighs, the better for the consumer.

It's not just about better maneuverability and more speed. A light vehicle requires significantly less energy to drive. As a result, much less fuel is spent. An important confirmation of this thesis is the constantly growing popularity of parquet SUVs, which hang relatively little and are a fairly economical mode of transport.

If we talk about general indicators, then they range from one ton to 1.5. An interesting trend is the growth of the minicar segment. The weight of such machines can be less than a thousand kilograms. Leading experts associate this all with the same desire of people to save money. In addition, small cars are much easier to park in the city. Especially when there is a shortage of free parking lots.

A small excursion into history

It is best to watch how the weight of the cars changed in the dynamo. Let's take cars from the 1950s. They were real monsters. As an example that well illustrates the general trend, we can recall the Cadillac Eldorado 8.2. Its mass was three tons, and this was far from the limit at that time.

But with the onset of the oil crisis, carmakers had to find other ways to reach consumers' hearts. The reduction in weight has helped to significantly reduce fuel consumption. In addition, it had a positive effect on handling.

The automakers of that time managed to reduce weight due to the use of materials in cars such as:

Now auto moguls are investing millions in research to find strong, lightweight materials.

Average car weight depending on the type

There are many types of cars that are classified according to a variety of parameters. One of the main ones is weight. This approach is easily explained by the influence of this parameter on all other characteristics.

To better understand how cars are classified by weight, consider the most popular types, they include:

1. Minicar cars. The engine of such cars rarely exceeds one liter. The minimum indicator is 0.4 liters. Power of 15-40 horsepower is quite normal. Weight ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 tons. Such vehicles consume 5 to 7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. The maximum speed is 100 km / h.
2. Small cars. The engine capacity of such vehicles can reach two liters, but usually it lies in the range from 1 to 1.5 liters. Power is about 60-70 hp. The body can have either four or five seats. The weight of the car is from 0.8 to 1 ton. At the same time, the fuel consumption is 6-8 liters, and the speed is 110-120 km / h.
3. Cars with average displacement. The volume of the engine in such machines is from two to three liters. Power is about 80-130 horsepower. Weight 1.2-1.6 tons. Fuel consumption 12-14 liters. The maximum speed indicator is 120-145 km / h.
4. Cars with large displacement. The weight of such vehicles reaches 2.5-3 tons. They consume a lot of fuel. On average, 18-20 liters per 100 km. Speed ​​from 150 to 240 kilometers. The salon can easily fit six or even eight people. The power of such machines can reach 300 hp.

Judging by the latest sales in Europe, every year the first two types of cars occupy an ever larger sales sector. This trend is easily explained by the desire of modern people to save money and not pollute the environment.

Outcomes

From all of the above, we can conclude that the weight of a modern passenger car is about 1.5 tons. Moreover, every year, thanks to modern materials, this figure is becoming less and less.

All phenomena occurring during the movement of a car depend to a very large extent on its overall dimensions, weight, shape, position of the center of gravity, location of the body, i.e. from its general structure or, as they say, layout. It is more convenient to get an idea of ​​this general, basic vehicle data when the vehicle is stationary.

Rice. The basic dimensions of the car give an initial idea of ​​its layout.

Let's look at the car from the side. To draw or sketch it, you would first need to outline several basic dimensions:

• vehicle length and height
• longitudinal distance between the axles of the wheels (the so-called wheelbase or simply the base)
• clearance between the car and the road
• front and rear overhangs, i.e. the distance from the axle of the front or rear wheels to, respectively, the front or rear end (bumper) of the vehicle

If you look at the car from the front, back and from above, the main dimensions are the width of the car, the track of the front and rear wheels, that is, the distance between the centers of the tires of one axle.

Overall dimensions call the extreme, largest dimensions of the car in length, width and height.

Domestic cars and trucks are different in layout. The more modern the car is, the greater part of its total length is occupied by the passenger compartment or the platform for the cargo, the more these usable areas of the car are moved forward. The ratio of the base of the car and its height to length is getting smaller, and the useful length used for its intended purpose (for passengers, luggage or cargo) is getting larger.

The ratio of the useful length of a passenger car Lk to its total length L1 or the useful area of ​​the truck platform Sk to its total area S1 is called the indicator of the use of the dimension n (the Greek letter "eta" with indices "dl" - length or "pl" - area):

The larger the index n, the more perfect the vehicle layout.

Before putting the car on the scales, you need to determine in what weight condition it is. If all the mechanisms of the car are filled with grease and other liquids (water, and brakes, etc.), the car is equipped with a spare wheel and a set of tools, and the tank is filled with fuel, then the weight of such a car is called curb weight or own weight .

If the car is not filled with gasoline, water, oil and other liquids, its weight is called dry... Dry weight determines the amount of metal and other materials in the vehicle's structure and is also important from the point of view of transporting the vehicle (on a rail platform or by crane). Dry weight is sometimes referred to as the weight when the spare wheel and tool are also removed from the vehicle.

If the car is with a driver, passengers (according to the number of seats in the body) and cargo, its weight is called complete .

When the vehicle is weighed with a load, that is, when the total weight is determined, the body is loaded with sandbags or cast iron blanks, and the passenger's weight is taken equal to 75 kg.

Rice. Development of the layout of the passenger car.

Rice. The AMO-3 and GAZ-51A cars have bodies of the same length, but the GAZ-51A's cabin is shifted forward, so the base is shorter than that of the AMO-3, by 510 mm, the length - by 425 mm.

The ratio of the payload weight Ge to the vehicle's own weight G0 is called the specific carrying capacity of the vehicle ng:

The specific carrying capacity of trucks is close to unity, that is, the car weighs about the same as it can carry on itself. For passenger cars, this indicator fluctuates between 0.20 and 0.40, since passengers are seated freely in the body, and in small cars (lighter, with a tight body) the indicator is higher than in large ones.

Since we are considering a car in motion, of the listed weight states, only the total weight of the car should be taken into account. After all, a car in running order (without a driver and without load) and, moreover, in a state corresponding to "dry weight", cannot move. But in addition to the full weight, in some cases, the weight state of the car is taken, which is conventionally called running, when the driver is on the car, but there are no passengers or cargo. The car can move, but it is not loaded.

For weighing, the car is rolled onto large scales either entirely or in turn with the front and rear wheels. In the second case, it is possible, by adding two weighing results, to obtain the weight of the car and at the same time find out what part of the weight falls on the front wheels and what on the rear, that is, what is the weight distribution over the wheels of a given car, what are the front and rear axle weights and what is the load on each wheel and tire. All these data are extremely important for assessing all the qualities of a car: its smoothness, the ability to accelerate and climb, and develop the highest speed.

Rice. When the number of passengers changes or the platform is filled with cargo, the weight distribution over the wheels changes.

For trucks, the front wheels account for 25-35% of the total weight, and the rear wheels account for 65-75%. The curb weight of trucks is distributed almost equally between the axles: 40-50% for the front wheels and 50-60% for the rear. This shows that the bulk of the payload weight is transmitted through the rear wheels.

The requirements for the distribution of weight over the wheels, as we will see later, are very contradictory. To improve the traction qualities, the cross-country ability of the car and to facilitate control, it is advisable to load the driving (rear) wheels and unload the guides (front); to increase the stability and smoothness of the ride, it is advisable to have an equal load distribution or some overload of the front wheels. To increase the service life of all tires, their uniform load is necessary, which is obtained with such a weight distribution along the axles:

• 50%: 50% for cars
• 33%: 67% for trucks (including two tire slopes on the rear wheels)

Rice. By adding the forces from the weight of the individual parts of the machine, we obtain the force from the total weight applied at the center of gravity.

Especially important is the constancy of the weight distribution over the wheels (not the weight, but the weight distribution!), That is, the preservation of the percentage of the total weight attributable to the front or rear wheels in all weight states. Unfortunately, most modern cars do not have this quality. It can be achieved if the center of gravity of the load is close to the center of gravity of the vehicle without load.

The distribution of weight over the wheels depends on the weight of the mechanisms and the payload and on their location along the length of the car (it is believed that the car is more or less symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and the load on the left and right wheels is the same. Therefore, the weight distribution on the left and right wheels is not consider.). The latter is especially important, since the most important components of the weight of a car - engine, body, payload - can be located in different ways in relation to the pivot points (i.e., to the front and rear axles) and have different weights. When designing a car, the weight of each vehicle unit (as well as the weight of the parts of the unit itself) can be represented as a force directed towards the road surface. You can consider the aggregates in turn, taking them in pairs, and find the resultant for each pair; then take the found resultants in pairs, and so on, until the resultant of all these forces is obtained, equal in magnitude to the weight of the car and applied at a point called the center of gravity.

The article was written based on materials from the sites: auto-kruto.ru, orthograf.ru, resalt.ru.

Functional properties determine what basic need and in what way a particular vehicle satisfies. Personal vehicles serve a dual purpose. On the one hand, they satisfy the material needs of the population associated with the transportation of passengers and goods. On the other hand, vehicles are cultural and household goods, since they satisfy the spiritual needs of people in a sense of high speeds and in sports achievements. The functions of transport as a means of transportation are determined by its passenger capacity, carrying capacity, cross-country ability, maneuverability, adaptability to starting in the cold season, and the amount of mileage on a full gas tank filling. Some of these properties are decisive for the social purpose of the vehicle.

If we consider vehicles as sports equipment, then the most important functional properties include their throttle response, the maximum speed that they can develop at a given distance, engine power, and the working volume of the cylinders.

Throttle response (dynamism)- the vehicle's ability to intensively accelerate from a standstill. Dynamism refers to complex indicators and depends on both engine power and vehicle weight and on the ratio of gear ratios in the gearbox. The more power and less mass of the vehicle, the higher the throttle response.

The acceleration rate is the acceleration time of the vehicle to a certain speed (motorcycle - up to 60 km / h, car - up to 100 km / h). For domestic cars, the throttle response is 10-14 s, for powerful foreign models - 7 s, for sports cars the throttle response reaches 4 s.

Acceleration of vehicles is of great importance in heavy traffic, when you need to quickly overtake the vehicle in front, as well as in off-road conditions, when you have to often brake and pick up speed again.

Engine power depends on its displacement and is expressed in horsepower or kW (1 kW = 1.353 hp).

Curb vehicle weight is defined as the mass of a fully fueled (fuel, oils, coolant, etc.) and complete (spare wheel, tool, etc.) car, but without passengers, driver and their luggage.

Automotive designers use every opportunity to reduce vehicle weight. Steel and cast iron parts are replaced by parts made of aluminum and magnesium alloys, titanium, and plastics, and solid parts are replaced by tubular and hollow parts.

A sharp decrease in the mass of cars occurred after their rearrangement to front-wheel drive, since they do not have a heavy rear axle and a cardan transmission.

Gross vehicle mass consists of the curb weight, the weight of the cargo, the driver and passengers and their luggage. Estimated weight of one passenger is 70 kg, and baggage per passenger is 10 kg.

Passability. Cross-country ability is understood as the suitability of the vehicle for driving on unpaved roads, as well as in different weather conditions.

The vehicle's permeability depends on the engine power, ground clearance, wheel base and width, number of driving wheels, tread width and tread depth. A significant increase in the cross-country ability of the car is achieved if it has leading not only rear but also front wheels. When driving in difficult road conditions (mud, sand), the driver can supply torque from the gearbox not only to the rear, but also to the front wheels.

Vehicle ground clearance. Ground clearance (clearance) is determined by the height of the lowest point of the vehicle to the roadbed. Ground clearance characterizes the vehicle's ability to move over various obstacles: rails, logs, etc.

Under the base of the vehicle, it is customary to understand the distance between the centers of the axes of its wheels in millimeters. The shorter it is, the higher the vehicle's cross-country ability, but the lower the road stability, especially for bicycles and motorcycles.

The diameter of the wheels determines their ability to bend around small irregularities on the road surface, thereby reducing vibration of the chassis.

The tread width of the tire determines the permeability in sand and mud. The wider the tires, the larger the support area, the less pressure on each square centimeter of the support area, the higher the permeability on soft road surfaces.

The tread depth provides better traction, so the larger it is, the higher the cross-country ability.

The ability to reach the maximum permissible speed depends both on engine power and on the value of the total gear ratio in the highest (usually 4th and 5th) gear. According to the rules of the road, in settlements, the speed should not exceed 60 km / h, and often 40 km / h, on most country roads a speed of 80-90 km / h is allowed, and only on a few high-speed roads - 110 km / h. Modern cars for personal use can reach speeds of over 160 km / h. This property of the car is very important for overtaking at high speeds and at short distances.

It should be noted that a vehicle's speed is reduced if its tires are wider and deeper in the tread.

Maneuverability- the vehicle's ability to turn around in tight spaces. This indicator is especially important when driving into a parking lot between closely spaced cars, when driving into a garage, or on sharp turns. The indicator of maneuverability is the radius of the steepest turn (in m) that a car can make. For passenger cars, the turning radius is 5-6 m, and the smaller it is, the more maneuverable the car is.

Fuel consumption per 100 km path characterizes efficiency and depends on the design and quality of manufacture of the engine and chassis of the vehicle. In domestic motor vehicles, fuel consumption per 100 km of track ranges from 2 liters for mopeds to 8 ~ 10 liters for heavy motorcycles, for cars, fuel consumption ranges from 4 to 16 liters. It is necessary to distinguish between the control fuel consumption, which is indicated in the passports for the vehicle, and the operational fuel consumption. The reference consumption is determined when driving on a flat road at a speed of 60 km / h. The operating flow is usually 10-15% higher than the reference.

Mileage on a full gas tank depends on the capacity of the tank and the operating fuel consumption per 100 km of track. The gas tank capacity of modern cars is 30-50 liters, which with an operating fuel consumption of 8-10 liters per 100 km is enough for a run of 300-600 km.

Braking distances is the distance in meters traveled by the vehicle from the moment it starts braking at a specified speed until it stops completely.

Curb weight and gross vehicle weight

There is dry, unladen and permissible gross vehicle weight. This indicator directly depends on the carrying capacity and size of the car. Quite often, these indicators differ by 300-700 kg or even more. And if the dry weight is the weight of a car without any additions (even without oil in the engine), then the curb weight reflects the weight of a vehicle that is completely ready for use.

The curb weight of the car takes into account the weight of the equipment necessary for operation (tools, spare wheels), as well as the weight of all consumables (fuel, oil, etc.), but it does not take into account the weight of passengers, the driver and the weight of the cargo.

How curb weight differs from dry weight

Some drivers do not understand why it is necessary to know the curb or other weight of the car, and this is very important information that you need to know. There are two concepts that characterize the mass of a car - permissible gross weight and curb weight. It should be noted that these characteristics are prioritized for some indicators, for example, fuel consumption. In addition, they affect the functioning of various vehicle systems.

Curb weight includes indicators such as weight:

• Car.
• Various lubricants, technical fluids, fuel tank (full).
• Standard equipment required for vehicle operation (lift, spare wheel, fire extinguisher, standard set of tools and keys, first aid kit).
• The driver (the weight of 75 kg is taken into account).

The values ​​of such a mass of a car are indicated in the data sheet or technical characteristics of a particular model.

In addition to the curb weight of the car, there is also a dry and permissible total. Dry weight is equal to curb weight, but without some equipment, fuel in the tank and consumables. In other words, this is the mass of an unloaded car only without fuel.

The concept of "permissible gross vehicle weight" means the maximum loaded vehicle weight provided by the manufacturer. It is also sometimes called the maximum allowable or maximum allowable. Subtracting the curb weight from the total weight of the car, you can find out the carrying capacity of the car. Accordingly, the total mass of the car is always greater than the equipped one, and even more so, the more dry.

All elements of the car are calculated and then manufactured with a certain margin of safety. Everyone knows that exceeding the load of a car significantly impairs the braking efficiency and traction characteristics, and also directly affects safety.

That is why automakers indicate in the documents for the vehicle the total permissible mass, which is the maximum permissible.

The gross vehicle weight is, in fact, a hypothetical indicator that varies from the weight of the passengers and the weight of the cargo in the trunk. We rarely carry heavy luggage with us, so it is not accurate.

The dry weight of the car also cannot be a useful indicator, since the car is never operated without antifreeze, fuel, transmission and engine oil, etc.

When creating cars, all manufacturers are trying to reduce the weight of cars, since this value significantly affects both acceleration and economic characteristics. This can be explained quite simply: the more weight a car can carry over a specific distance, spending a minimum of fuel, the better for car owners. In addition, the increased load has a negative effect on the suspension parts and the car body.

European measurements of the curb weight of the car

The use of a proprietary formula that determines the curb weight of the car may be present in every European country. This criterion is taken into account when it is necessary to move through a bridge or dam. The most accurate data in this case will not allow overloading.

In almost all European countries, 75 kg are added to the curb weight of a car - this is the average weight of an adult. This calculation allows you to get data on what is the mass of the car while driving.

In addition, they provide the following features:

• The weight of the tool required to operate the vehicle, which must be present in the trunk.
• A bus or a truck designed for long-distance travel (if there is room for a crew member, add another 75 kg to the weight of the car).
• The spare wheel, the weight of the jack, fire extinguisher and other elements are also taken into account.
• At least 90% of the weight of the vehicle's fuel tank (full) is added to the curb weight of the car.

In addition, there are several formulas that allow you to individually determine the curb weight. This point is extremely important for trucks, since at all weighing points, by deducting the unladen weight, it is possible to check with high accuracy the maximum permissible weight of the car, the weight of luggage, etc.

Therefore, in individual cases, the checking services use formulas with which you can calculate the curb weight of a car, taking into account the people, parts, etc. present in it.

There are many situations in which knowledge about the curb weight of a car may be needed. First of all, this is towing, since each vehicle has a maximum permissible mass of the towed load.

It is also worth remembering this value in those situations when the car passes local bridges over rivers or dangerous places. Often at such places there are warnings, which contain information about limiting the mass of vehicles. Therefore, experts recommend following some rules:

• If it is necessary to estimate the weight of the car, add the weight of the driver and all passengers to the value of the weight of the car.
• When buying a car, immediately find out the curb weight indicated by the manufacturer.
• You should find out the formula that was used to calculate the curb weight, remember or write down this figure.
• Do not worry about fuel, oil, first aid kit, fire extinguisher - these elements are automatically taken into account in the indicators.
• Do not forget about baggage that is not included in the curb weight of the car (situational baggage).

From this information, it should be concluded that the curb weight indicator is important information and it is necessary for the car owner to know it. This is one of the important parameters of technical characteristics, which sometimes takes into account up to 500 kg of additional car weight.

We buy tires and wheels - another use of the curb weight

When buying new discs for a car, there is a high risk of getting problems if the weight of the car does not correspond to the performance characteristics of the discs. Otherwise, any, even an insignificant bump, will adversely affect their metal: alloy wheels will crack, steel wheels will bend.

It is also very important to take into account the weight of the car when choosing rubber, because if you do not take into account the rubber load index, the likelihood of unpleasant consequences is high.

The most common problems that can cause a mismatch between the weight of the car and the rubber load index include the following points:

• Fairly fast erasure of the tread.
• Destruction of the rubber cord, swelling / blowing out of irregularities on the working or side surface of a part of the tire.
• Uneven wear on the rubber layer due to too high pressure.
• Lack of correct vehicle control, as the tires change their trajectory.
• Poor rolling, increased fuel consumption due to rolling resistance.
• Poor braking effect.
• Failure to inflate the wheels as required by the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Reducing the safety of car operation for a number of reasons.

These are the consequences that can arise when buying discs or tires, when the curb weight of the car is not taken into account. This proves that this indicator is important for the operation of the vehicle.

In order to choose the optimal size of tires or disks, it is necessary to write down the value of the curb weight of the car and divide this value by four, since all manufacturers of these products indicate the maximum weight in kilograms per tire.

All technical characteristics of a car are important during its operation, so the documents issued upon purchase should not be thrown away. They will not be needed only when the warranty period expires.

If for some reason you do not know the curb weight of your car, you should know where to find it quickly. To do this, you must always have at hand (for example, in the bookmarks of an Internet browser in a mobile phone) a website with a description of the technical characteristics of almost all vehicles. This information can be very useful, since such a catalog contains all the data on the gross and curb weight of the car. Accordingly, you have the opportunity, if necessary, to obtain reliable information about which parts you should buy.

In the automotive industry and everything that is connected with this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of a car. These two characteristics are those that are sure to be told about in theoretical classes held in an automobile school. Nevertheless, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or have simply forgotten what lies under this terminology.

What is the curb weight of a car

The curb weight of the vehicle is the total, i.e. the total mass of the car with a set of standard equipment, all its operating consumables that are required (for example, coolant and engine oil), a tank fully filled with vehicle fuel, the weight of the driver, but without the weight of the cargo and the weight of the passengers.

What is the gross vehicle weight

The gross vehicle mass, or, as it is also called, the gross permissible mass is the mass of the car, which is the maximum permissible and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers, the mass of the entire equipped car, as well as the mass of the cargo that is transported by the car.

What is the difference between curb and gross vehicle weight

If you understand the differences between these two concepts, then the point is what exactly is included and summed up in the total mass indicator. Unlike the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its total weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, and the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of those goods that are in it (transported).

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “store” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some - are more careful and transport goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as "permissible total mass of the car" is used. Each car has its own highest solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials used in the production of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other supporting parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If you do not adhere to this, then gradually during the operation of the car, its body, bridge systems, as well as many other parts that are fixed to the car's suspension will be deformed. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car - fuel, it will absorb significantly more.

Passenger car - a car designed for the carriage of passengers and luggage, with a capacity of 2 to 8 people. If there are more seats for passengers, the car is considered a bus (minibus). The first car was created in 1876.

Classification of passenger cars

I would like to note that the classification of passenger cars, both in the class of wheeled vehicles and within this class, is in itself rather arbitrary: some cars can be "transitional" between classes, or even by all indications belong to two or more classes at the same time. ...

In addition, the classes themselves change their definition, the size of the cars, and so on. This is best illustrated by the constant physical growth of the same model line. For example, the BMW 3 Series, which debuted as a very compact car, has now grown to the point where it brought to life the BMW 1 Series.

In addition, the classification of cars is highly dependent on the specifics of the country's legislation. So, for example, in Russia, cars belonging to the passenger class cannot have a gross weight of more than 3500 kg, and in the USA - 8600 pounds (3904 kg); in Germany, a passenger car with a station wagon or hatchback body, provided that the rear seats and belts are dismantled and the rear side windows are painted over, can be registered as a truck; in the United States, for a long time, all off-road vehicles were considered a “truck”, regardless of weight and size; customs regulations of the Russian Federation require that an imported vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3,500 kg be registered as a truck - if the mass of the payload exceeds the mass of passengers and driver (75 kg per seat), and a light vehicle - if the mass of the driver and passengers exceeds the permissible mass of the payload ; etc.

Cars by class

• Class A. 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Small dimensions - length - no more than 3600, width - no more than 1520
• Class B. 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, rarely sedans, length 3500-3900, width 1520-1630

• Class C. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV. Length 3.9 - 4.4 m. Width 1.6 - 1.75m

• Class D. Hatchback, sedan, station wagon and high-capacity station wagons. Length 4.4 - 4.7 m. Width 1.7 - 1.8m

• Class E. Sedans and station wagons. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Class F. Sedans, limousines. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Minivans and high-capacity vehicles... Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV

• SUVs... 3- or 5-door station wagons, rarely with a removable soft top. The capacity is from 4 to 9 seats. The purpose is quite universal, although it can be very specific.

• Coupe... Coupe with a capacity of 2 or 4 seats

• Open body... Convertibles, Roadsters and Spiders

In real life, you can also classify cars by purpose.

"Passenger cars". Designed for the carriage of passengers and / or a small amount of cargo on roads with improved surface. They do not have increased cross-country ability (even with all-wheel drive!), Exit from the road or overcoming a small ford can be carried out exclusively at the “peril and risk” of the driver. The subclass "passenger cars" are "sports cars".

These cars are not race cars, but are designed to provide increased driving pleasure to their owner. The range of "sports" solutions can start from the manufacturer's installation of a "sports body kit" on an ordinary model (for example, Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC, Opel Vectra OPC-line), and ending with the release of highly dynamic models (Honda NSX, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborgini Murcelado ...) - "SUVs ".

This class of cars can be operated in real off-road conditions and is structurally adapted to this. - The now popular class of "crossovers" (aka "SUVs") is intermediate between passenger and SUVs.

These cars have increased cross-country ability relative to "passenger cars", but do not have a full set of off-road qualities and do not allow to overcome serious off-road conditions. - "commercial" cars are often created on the basis of "passenger cars", but at the same time they are intended mainly for the transportation of small consignments of goods in the interests of business, and not only.

Interestingly, there is a tendency to "return" to the function of a passenger car: for example, on the basis of the popular Opel Corsa, an Opel Combo cargo van was created, in which a volume of about 3m3 for cargo is organized behind the backs of the front seats, and the Opel Combo Tour is immediately offered, where , previously a cargo compartment, passenger seats are installed. Such a car (like many competitors) differs from a purely "passenger passenger" progenitor by a much more spacious interior and a high ceiling.

Classification of other passenger cars

G1 - coupe
G2 - premium coupe
H1 - convertibles and roadsters
H2 - premium convertibles and roadsters
I - off-road wagons
K1 - light off-road vehicles
K2 - medium SUVs
K3 - heavy off-road vehicles
K4 - pickups
L - minivans
M - small commercial

Passenger cars are passenger cars with a capacity of up to 8 people, including the driver.

Passenger cars are classified by purpose, by class, by general layout, by type of body.

By appointment, cars are divided into general purpose vehicles and off-road vehicles. The purpose depends on the ability of this model to move in various road conditions.

General purpose vehicles are intended for driving on roads of various categories, mainly on highways. General purpose vehicles include VAZ, GAZ, KIA, Volga and others.

Off-road vehicles can move off-road and are designed for operation not only on paved roads, but also in off-road conditions. Off-road vehicles include Niva and UAZ vehicles.

Depending on the general layout, domestic cars are divided into rear-wheel drive (classic layout), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

The classic layout assumes that the engine is located above the axle of the front wheels. The wheel formula of such cars is 4x2. The drive to the drive wheels of the rear axle is carried out by means of a cardan shaft. For example: VAZ-2107 "Lada", GAZ-3110 "Volga".

Front-wheel drive layout scheme became known in our country relatively recently. In this scheme, the engine and transmission are located directly above the front axle, representing a common power unit with a torque output to the front wheels. At the same time, the entire unit is compactly located in the front part of the body. Wheel formula: 2x4. Examples: VAZ-2170 Priora, KamAZ-11113 Oka. The all-wheel drive layout "assumes the location of the engine and the drive on the rear axle similarly to the classical scheme, and a transfer case, center differential and a second propeller shaft are provided for the front axle drive. Examples:" Chevrolet - Niva ", UAZ Hunter.

According to the number of compartments in the body, domestic cars are divided into two-volume (VAZ-2120 "Nadezhda", VAZ-2111 "Lada", BA3-21093 "Samara") and three-volume (GAZ-3102 "Volga", VAZ-2115 "Samara") ...

The class of a car depends on the engine displacement, expressed in liters, and on its unloaded weight. Limiting indicators for classes are given in table.

Division of passenger cars by classes

European classification of passenger cars

Extra small cars are designed for 4 people, other models - for 5 people.

According to the body type, modern domestic passenger cars can have a body type: sedan, hatchback, station wagon, pickup and van.

Basic passenger car models are assigned a four-digit index, in which the first digit indicates the vehicle class, the second indicates the vehicle type, and the third and

the fourth indicates its model number. Additional numbers may be added to the index to indicate modifications to basic vehicle models.

The full model designation includes the manufacturer's abbreviated name.

For example: VAZ-21109 "Consul", where VAZ is the Volga Automobile Plant; 2 - vehicle class; 1 - type (passenger); 10 - base model number; 9 - modification number (4-seater limousine) "Consul" - trade mark.