Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) explained

GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass, and it refers to the total weight of the vehicle along with any fuel, fluids, passengers and cargo.

A vehicle’s GVM is set by the manufacturer and is calculated (with allowable tolerances) on how much weight a standard vehicle on factory-issue tyres can safely handle at speed.

GVM and GVW refer to the same thing – the total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, passengers and loads. Gross Combination Mass (GCM) or GCW refers to the combined mass of the vehicle and trailer.

First of all, it’s dangerous. If you overload a vehicle then it may not turn or brake as intended, which may lead to an accident. It’s also illegal, and if you are in an accident with an overloaded vehicle, your insurance may be voided and you may be charged.

The GVM of any vehicle is set by the manufacturer and is noted on a placard on the vehicle, or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. You can also speak to the manufacturer that should have the information available.

When overloaded, the performance of your vehicle may become unpredictable, particularly at speed. While your vehicle may not seem overloaded when parked (static load), when the car is in motion (dynamic load) the movement of the vehicle through bends or along undulating surfaces amplifies the forces exerted by the combined mass of the car and load. If the centre of gravity has shifted up (with too much load on the roof, for example) then the vehicle will have a heightened risk of rollover.

There are a number of public weighbridges available that enable you to accurately weigh your car when fully loaded. We have included a map at the bottom of this page.

Kerb weight includes the mass of the car, the weight of the driver (approx 70kg), and all necessary fluids including a tank of fuel. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight the car can support when a load is added to the kerb weight. That load can be cargo, passengers or a combination of both.

Yes. You can upgrade suspension components to support a higher GVM, but in order for the car to be legally recognised with a higher rating, it needs to undergo an engineering inspection and accreditation.