How are Brakes Affected By Payload?
Are you loading up the truck for your summer road-trip? It may be a good time to consider what is the maximum load (or "payload") your truck can carry, and what effect does it have on safety. Most pickup drivers want to able to carry a large payload. Does payload really make a difference when it comes to the efficiency of brakes? You've seen the commercials for pickup trucks--heavy-duty machinery hoisting construction materials so hefty that when placed in the bed, the entire back dips under the weight, and then bounces back up. Are all trucks designed to do this? Be sure to check with your brake service specialist for expert advice about the payload of your specific vehicle.
Understanding payload --
- Weight -- Payload is the amount of weight a vehicle can safely hold. It never changes over the life of the vehicle. Overloading a truck will change how it steers and brakes. Even if a heavier payload is within a safe amount, it still puts a strain on brakes because there is a higher braking temperature. The increased weight also may make steering more difficult. For example, imagine carrying an empty cardboard box. You are able to move and stop fairly quickly. Now imagine adding 200 pounds of bricks to the box. Your movement and stopping ability will be dramatically affected--adversely! This same principle applies to a vehicle's payload.
- Distribution – Brakes and steering can be affected differently depending on what constitutes the payload and how it is distributed. The center of gravity in a truck can be shifted by placing a lot of weight in the back. Occasionally, a heavy or oddly distributed payload can cause brakes to lock up.
- Shifting – Make sure all cargo is firmly secured, with padding added as necessary to keep th¬e payload from shifting during transport. This not only keep the cargo from being damaged, but also helps prevent unnecessary strain on the brakes.
Remember: As you start out on your summer vacation with a heavy load, take extra care while driving and avoid sudden or hard stops. This will help keep the strain on brakes to a minimum. If you are wondering about the correct payload your vehicle can handle, check with your auto technician for expert advice.
Have questions about the payload effect? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about brake service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Are you loading up the truck for your summer road-trip? It may be a good time to consider what is the maximum load (or "payload") your truck can carry, and what effect does it have on safety. Most pickup drivers want to able to carry a large payload. Does payload really make a difference when it comes to the efficiency of brakes? You've seen the commercials for pickup trucks--heavy-duty machinery hoisting construction materials so hefty that when placed in the bed, the entire back dips under the weight, and then bounces back up. Are all trucks designed to do this? Be sure to check with your brake service specialist for expert advice about the payload of your specific vehicle.
Understanding payload --
- Weight -- Payload is the amount of weight a vehicle can safely hold. It never changes over the life of the vehicle. Overloading a truck will change how it steers and brakes. Even if a heavier payload is within a safe amount, it still puts a strain on brakes because there is a higher braking temperature. The increased weight also may make steering more difficult. For example, imagine carrying an empty cardboard box. You are able to move and stop fairly quickly. Now imagine adding 200 pounds of bricks to the box. Your movement and stopping ability will be dramatically affected--adversely! This same principle applies to a vehicle's payload.
- Distribution – Brakes and steering can be affected differently depending on what constitutes the payload and how it is distributed. The center of gravity in a truck can be shifted by placing a lot of weight in the back. Occasionally, a heavy or oddly distributed payload can cause brakes to lock up.
- Shifting – Make sure all cargo is firmly secured, with padding added as necessary to keep th¬e payload from shifting during transport. This not only keep the cargo from being damaged, but also helps prevent unnecessary strain on the brakes.
Remember: As you start out on your summer vacation with a heavy load, take extra care while driving and avoid sudden or hard stops. This will help keep the strain on brakes to a minimum. If you are wondering about the correct payload your vehicle can handle, check with your auto technician for expert advice.
Have questions about the payload effect? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about brake service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
