In what situation should you review your vehicle’s weight limits?

Reviewing your vehicle’s weight limits when planning a trip and loading cargo is essential for several reasons. Understanding weight limits ensures that you do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) when loading your cargo. This is crucial for maintaining safety on the road, as overloaded vehicles can lead to increased stopping distances, compromised handling, and greater wear on suspension and brakes.

During the trip planning phase, it’s important to account for the weight of the cargo to ensure you comply with legal weight restrictions and help avoid potential fines or restrictions when crossing state lines. Additionally, adhering to these limits improves fuel efficiency and can extend the longevity of your vehicle’s components by ensuring they are not stressed beyond their capacity.

While reviewing weight limits at the time of purchase, before each trip, or noticing tire wear may provide valuable information, the most practical and relevant time to assess weight limits is right when you are loading cargo, as this impacts your trip directly.