Aug 15, 2015

luggage in the family car ready for the holidays

Whether you’re making a delivery in your work truck, or taking a family trip in your minivan, most of us have had times when we’ve put took much stuff in our vehicle. Maybe you think it won’t matter just one time. Perhaps you don’t know how much your vehicle is supposed to transport. Whatever the reason, everyone needs to be conscious of how much gear they are transporting, or else the situation can become dangerous. Continental Toyota Scion cares about its customers and wants to further explain why overloading your vehicle is a hazard.

Less Stability

Vehicles are designed to hold a certain amount of weight, and that’s it. When you exceed this amount, the vehicle becomes less stable, because it was not meant to handle the extra bulk.

The amount of time it takes to react in an emergency is compromised, as well as the quality of the reaction. This can result in a fatal crash.

More Strain

When you overload a vehicle it puts tons of strain on it. The tires can wear out quickly as well as overheat. This leads to expensive tire failure and the possibility of a dangerous blowout. Extra strain means the engine is also working harder to make the vehicle move. Engine damage is extremely costly and can leave you with a broke down vehicle on the side of the road. Excess weight also increases fuel consumption, which costs you more money unnecessarily.

Overloading Voids Your Insurance

Overloading a vehicle is actually against the law. This means that if your vehicle is involved in an accident while it is carrying too much weight, your insurance coverage can be voided. We don’t have to tell you how much this can cost, especially if you car is totaled.

Overloading Your Vehicle Affects Others

Overloading your car, van or truck is actually quite a selfish act. Too much weight can damage the roads, pavement and bridges, and taxpayers foot the bill. When you’re driving commercially, it is unfair to the competition when you carry more than you are supposed to.

Take it from your friends at Continental Toyota Scion, don’t overload your vehicle! Make several trips or rent a trailer instead!