Most cars these days are able to carry even the heaviest of drivers. Even though this will ultimately not affect the car too much, it could pose potential risks and it could also negatively affect your fuel economy. Cars these days are not rated for carrying huge loads, but they are able to do so anyway.
The issue with too much weight is that it makes the car more dangerous. Obese people tend to be wider than most car seats, and they also tend to sit closer to the steering wheel than others. All of which affects safety above anything else.
Besides safety, your efficiency and general performance are also affected by increased weight. Manufacturers usually include the maximum carrying capacity in a few places such as the owner’s manual and a sticker near the driver’s door jam.
Another thing to keep in mind is height. Cars with a higher center of gravity are even more affected by increased weight because they lean more which makes them feel and drive a bit unsafe. Nevertheless, it’s always best to just follow your owner’s manual.
Some of the best SUVs for heavy people.
Obese people behind the wheel
As much as 1/3 of Americans aged over 20 are considered obese, as such, the American Medical Association declared that obesity is a disease. Even though many experts still argue about it being a disease or not, the reality is that obesity does carry a lot of potentially harmful consequences.
When it comes to driving and daily commuting, obese people have a higher chance of dying from a car crash when compared to normal-sized individuals. According to a couple of studies, drivers with a BMI between 30% and 35% who are considered moderately obese were 21% more likely to die in a car crash.
Those with a BMI between 35% and 40% were 50% more likely to die in a car crash. However, if you are extremely obese or your BMI is over 40%, you are as much as 80% more likely to die in a car crash. Obese female drivers are even worse according to a 2012 Study carried out by the University Of California.
It is fairly obvious why obese people tend to fare worse in car crashes. They are unable to react as quickly, nor do they sit far enough from the airbag for it to be safe.
Cars with too much weight
Most cars these days are rated for a flat amount of carrying capacity, but this only makes sense if your tires are properly inflated. If your tires are not properly inflated, then the carrying capacity is considerably lower, as such, be sure to keep your tire pressures at an optimum level suggested by the manufacturer.
Heavy cars have a more difficult time slowing down and accelerating because they need to carry more mass. Manufacturers tend to negate these effects with more power, stronger brakes, and wider tires. However, cars these days are so heavy that it’s hard to countereffect such weight.
Another important aspect of weight is the center of gravity. Sports cars and supercars are not low to the ground for aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons only. A lower center of gravity enables the car to stay flat under cornering which makes it more agile and eager to changing direction.
Lightweight cars
At the other end of the spectrum stand lightweight cars. These cars are compact inside and out, and they tend to offer the most agile driving experience out there. A common method of making fast and exciting cars is shedding weight and adding more power.
Sports cars and supercars are the true epitomai of what a lightweight car can be. Something like a Mazda MX-5 Miata is considered as one of the best sports cars of all time, even though the power output of the MX-5 is not really all that much.
Most obese people are unable to fit in the majority of sports cars out there. However, there are a couple of options that can indeed fit even the heaviest individuals. Be sure to test the car out before you decide to buy it in order not to make any safety compromises.
Brands like Lamborghini and McLaren don’t make cars for tall or wide people, while some supercars like the Audi R8 are actually spacious enough for anyone. No matter the case, always follow the driving rules and always buckle up your seat.
FAQ Section
Which cars are best for obese drivers?
There are loads of options out there for larger drivers, no matter the segment. If you want a sedan, the Kia Optima offers ample space, it’s the same story as the Volvo S90. If you want a hatchback, the Mazda 3 and the VW Golf also offer lots of space.
If SUVs are more your thing, the Honda CR-V and the Volvo XC90 are the most spacious and best mid-size SUVs for obese people. The Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and the Ford Expedition are great full-size SUVs for obese people.
Which cars should be avoided by obese people?
As mentioned previously, obese people should avoid buying compact sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Fiat 124 Spyder, the BMW Z4, or the Porsche Cayman. Many supercars should also be avoided because they don’t offer nearly enough space even for smaller drivers.
Be sure to test out the car before you decide to buy it as it’s sometimes hard to judge how comfortable or uncomfortable a car truly is. Besides compact sports cars and supercars, obese people also shouldn’t drive cars that are hard to get in and out of.
Which cars have the biggest front seats?
If you are obese, and you want a car that offers enough seating space at the front, be sure to check out the Dodge Challenger, Ford Expedition, Audi A8, Kia Optima, VW Golf, BMW 7-series. The Dodge Challenger might as well be the car with the widest driver’s seat on the market.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV with the widest driver’s seat, and the lovely looking and extremely smooth going Audi A8 is the sedan with the largest driver’s seat. The Kia Optima is not far behind, nor is the BMW 7-series and the VW Golf.
