Overloading an axle can lead to which effect?

Overloading an axle can lead to which effect?

• A. Increased kerbside weight
• B. Reduced braking efficiency
• C. Reduced braking distance
• D. Increased fuel efficiency

Answer: (B)

Overloading an axle means more mass on that axle than it’s designed to carry, so the braking system and tyres have to deal with more energy and heat. Braking works by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat in the brakes while the tyres maintain grip on the road. With extra load, the tyres deform more and the brakes heat up faster, which can cause the friction between tyre and road to drop and brakes to fade. That combination reduces braking efficiency, leading to longer stopping distances or less effective braking when you need it. The other ideas don’t fit: kerb weight is a fixed figure not directly increased by loading one axle, braking distance actually increases with overload, and extra weight tends to reduce, not improve, fuel efficiency.

Overloading an axle means more mass on that axle than it’s designed to carry, so the braking system and tyres have to deal with more energy and heat. Braking works by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat in the brakes while the tyres maintain grip on the road. With extra load, the tyres deform more and the brakes heat up faster, which can cause the friction between tyre and road to drop and brakes to fade. That combination reduces braking efficiency, leading to longer stopping distances or less effective braking when you need it. The other ideas don’t fit: kerb weight is a fixed figure not directly increased by loading one axle, braking distance actually increases with overload, and extra weight tends to reduce, not improve, fuel efficiency.