How much does a car weigh? (Average weight by car type)

If you’re like most people, the weight of your car is probably something you rarely think about. However, knowing the weight of your car can be very helpful if you are about to tow it or cross a weak bridge. Weighing your car can also help you make decisions about modifications and other changes.

But how much does your car really weigh? And what factors influence the weight of a car?

In this blog post, we will look at the average car weight by type and model and discuss some of the reasons why you may find different weights in your car’s specifications. We’ll also look at where you can find the weight of your car without weighing it on a scale.

How much does a car weigh?

The average car weighs 4,094 pounds, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The small midsize car (e.g., Nissan Micra) weighs 2,600 pounds, while the large midsize car (e.g., Audi A8) weighs 4,400 pounds.

The average weight of cars has generally decreased over time, although newer models have a larger average size. One of the reasons cars weigh less today than they did a few decades ago is that new car models are designed to be as light as possible.

Lighter weight reduces the amount of force needed to stop and start, improving safety and maneuverability. It also means that a car’s engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move, which will reduce fuel consumption.

Weight by car type:

Cars come in different sizes and shapes. Although cars are built from different materials and in different ways, they tend to have a similar average in terms of weight within the same type range.

These are some of the average weights of the most common types of cars on the market:

Weight per car model

To be even more specific about average car weight by car model and not just car type, here is a list of average weights for some popular car models.

The weight of these car models may vary depending on the model year, engine type, and accessories installed on your car.

There are different types of car weights.

If you look at your car’s weight specification in your owner’s manual or search by VIN, you may notice that you will see many different weights, so which one should you look at and what do all these different weights mean? Let’s take a closer look!

These are the most common types of weights with a brief explanation:

• Empty weight: the weight without the driver, passengers or any cargo.
• Gross weight: The weight of a car with a maximum loaded load and the driver and all passengers.
• Combined gross weight: This is a unit you should consider if you have a trailer. The weight of the trailer and the car together.
• Useful load: Weight of car, cargo, passengers (gross weight), + anything you tow behind the car.
• Gross Weight Rating: The maximum total weight that your car can support with the driver, passengers, and cargo.
• Gross axle weight: the weight load on each axle of your car.
• Maximum Trailer Weight: Very similar to the gross combined rate. But this also includes the weight of a fully loaded trailer.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating: The maximum weight that an axle in your car can support.

RELATED: Average Car Length—List of Car Lengths

Where can I find the exact weight of my car?

So if you can’t find your car model in the list above, there are even better ways to find it without weighing it on a scale. Here are some easy ways to quickly find your car’s weight with accurate results.

1. VIN decoder

Probably the easiest and quickest way to find the weight of your car is to use a VIN decoder or search. VIN decoders can be found in paid or free versions. We have a free VIN decoder here at Mechanicbase. you can use it as many times as you like; all you need is your VIN.

The VIN code is located in several different places on your car. The most common locations are on the outside of the windshield at the bottom, on the driver’s side. It can sometimes also be found on the driver’s side door pillar. On many car models, there is also a VIN sticker around the area where the car door lock is closed. If you can’t find it there, you can try looking for a label in the engine compartment, often in front of the engine.

2. Consult the owner’s manual

Another good place to find the weight of your car is in the owner’s manual you received when you bought the car. The instruction manual is often located in the glove box, so if you still have your car’s manual, take a look there to find the weight of your car.

3.Wikipedia

Finding the weight of your car on Wikipedia is also an easy option, as they have most car models listed with specifications. But the disadvantage of this method is that cars come in many different types with different engines and other accessories and therefore you may not find a correct result. However, if you don’t need to find the exact weight but just have an idea of ​​the weight, this may be a good option.

4. Driver’s side door

There is a VIN tag and other different specifications, such as tire pressure, tire size, and car weight on almost every car model. This sticker is often found on the body of your car, behind the driver’s door. Open the driver’s door and look for a label near the central locking bracket.

5. Call your manufacturer

If you have your registration number or VIN number, you can call your authorized dealer and ask if they can find specifications for your particular car model. It may not be the easiest and fastest option, but you will surely get accurate results.

6. Car scale

Of course, the best way to get the exact weight of your car is to weigh it on a scale. But finding a scale large enough to weigh a car is probably easier said than done. If you really want to weigh your car on a scale, you can often find one at junkyards and auto inspection sites.

It may be necessary to weigh your car on a scale if you have installed many heavy accessories in your car, such as a large sound system or dog crates.

Car Weight FAQ