What can be the effect of an overload of only 20%?

An overload of only 20% can negatively impact a vehicle's safety and performance.

1. The brakes may be overstrained: When a vehicle is overloaded, its braking system has to work harder to stop it, which can lead to brake fade or failure, especially under heavy braking conditions.

2. Steering may become worse: An overloaded vehicle can affect handling and steering response, making it more difficult to maneuver. This can lead to sudden issues during turns or when changing lanes.

3. There may be too much strain on the load-bearing parts of the vehicle: Components such as the suspension and chassis are designed to support a specific maximum weight. Exceeding this limit can cause excessive wear, damage, or even failure of these parts.

According to German traffic regulations, maintaining the manufacturer's specified weight limits is crucial for safety. Overloading a vehicle not only risks the safety of the driver and passengers but also endangers other road users. Thus, selecting all relevant options is important to understand the full range of negative effects associated with overload.