What Are The Effects Of Overloading Your Car?

Introduction
It has now become common practice to see many taxis in the cities of Malawi carrying more than one passenger in front and also more than the actual number in the back seat, sometimes even in the boot. This habit started with very few drivers sometime in 2023 and almost every taxi driver has copied the same.

Overload
As you can imagine, adding loads of gear to a car increases its weight and, as a result, puts more strain on areas such as the brakes and engine. If you overload your car, you may notice that it feels physically ‘heavier’ to drive, with altered handling and braking characteristics.

Steering, maneuverability, braking and acceleration are all affected. Most important, stopping distances are dramatically impacted. Simply stated, an overloaded truck requires more distance to stop.

Other than the tyres and suspension getting affected, there is a delay in braking too if the car is fully loaded. Frequent overloading of the car will only affect the suspension whereas overloading the car once in a while is not an issue. Mainly suspension bottoming out.

First, it allows the steering of the car and stopping very difficult,and which can eventually lead to accident. Secondly, you are likely to experience vehicle brake failure; overloading of your car as a driver can cause break failure while driving the car and that can lead to accident and damage of the car.

To tell if your car is overweight, you can check its weight against the maximum weight limit specified in your vehicle’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. You can also use a scale to weigh your car, including all passengers and cargo.

Overloading An Engine
Overloading engines is a major cause of engine and clutch trouble in trucks and vehicles and leads to costly repairs.

Stalling and/or Stuttering
If your vehicle comes to a halt suddenly, then there is a chance that you may need to replace the engine. An overworked engine is rarely good news for anyone.

Conclusion
Your car is an essential part of your life and should be treated with care. But if your schedule is busy, it’s easy to overlook the simple maintenance your car needs to stay up and running. The upside is that you can follow a few simple tips to keep your car in great shape and preserve its resale value. However, overloading your car must be advised at all costs.