BERLIN: From the mother-in-law to the daughter's new boyfriend - the number of passengers coming along on the vacation trip by car is usually decided some time in advance.
But some people only take care of packing the luggage at the last minute, frantically stuffing everything into the car shortly before departure. That's not a good idea, according to German technical inspection agency Tüv.
Heavy suitcases and bags should be loaded into the vehicle first if possible and placed at the back of the boot up against the rear seats without leaving any gaps between them. The heavier something is, the deeper into the boot it should go.
Don't forget to move the warning triangle and the first aid kit for emergencies to a place where you won't have to unload everything again if you need them.
To ensure that the luggage doesn't move around, use lashing or clamping belts or load-securing nets. In cars such as station wagons, restraint systems or protective grids can also be installed to keep everything in its place when braking.
Alternatively, only pack up as high as the upper edge of the rear seat backrest. It's better not to transport anything on a parcel shelf. Even light objects can turn into dangerous projectiles in the event of heavy braking or a collision.
Many people underestimate the dangers of incorrectly loaded or overloaded cars, according to Tüv. A vehicle has a permitted payload but the actual unladen weight may be higher than was the case when the car left the factory due to optional equipment and accessories. If it doubt, you should get the car weighed before you set off.
Even if your car isn't overloaded, the driving behaviour of a vehicle packed with luggage and passengers changes noticeably in curves compared to an unloaded car. This also applies to braking - the car will take longer to stop.
When the car is fully packed, don't forget to adjust the air pressure in the tyres according to the load specifications in the owner's manual and also adjust the headlight settings before setting off.
