Vehicle Loading: Balance Safety and Efficiency

Extra passengers or cargo change how your car accelerates, brakes, and corners. Planning your load protects your licence and keeps everyone comfortable.

• Never exceed the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or axle weight listed in the handbook or VIN plate.
• Distribute weight evenly and secure loads so they cannot move under braking.
• Adjust tyre pressures and headlamp aim if your vehicle handbook recommends it when heavily loaded.

• Place heavy items low and central in the boot to keep the centre of gravity stable.
• Split passengers across seats to avoid overloading one side of the vehicle.
• Use roof racks only when necessary and keep loads as light as possible to reduce drag.

Use luggage straps, cargo nets, or built-in fixing points. Loose items become dangerous projectiles in a collision—secure them even for short trips.

• Check the towing capacity of your vehicle and ensure the trailer is roadworthy with working lights and brakes.
• Distribute trailer weight with about 7–10% nose weight on the tow ball to prevent snaking.
• Fit the correct mirrors when towing wider loads and drive at lower speeds.