If you regularly tow, go 4W driving or load your ute up with heavy equipment, understanding the GVM of your vehicle is an important factor in keeping you safe on the road and ensuring that you are following all regulations with your vehicle. GVM (Goss Vehicle Mass) is the maximum weight allowed for a vehicle when it is fully loaded. At AME Automotive, we are Perth’s experts in GVM upgrades. Here is our guide to understanding GVM and GVM upgrades.
Complying to the GVM of Your Vehicle
To check if you comply with GVM requirements, you can calculate how much weight your vehicle is carrying. Start with the base weight of the vehicle, and then include added weight from any and all of the following:
- Cargo
- Fuel
- Passengers
- Tray body (for cab-chassis models)
- Tow-ball load exerted by caravans, boats, etc – if you’re towing a boat, you don’t have to add the actual weight of the boat. However, simply towing something behind your vehicle is going to exert more weight at the tow point and this extra weight must be taken into consideration.
GVM Requirements in Australia
All vehicles have their requisite GVM standards that the vehicle owner or driver is required by law to uphold. If you’re caught driving a vehicle loaded beyond its legal GVM, you could be sacrificing your safety, you could face serious fines and your insurance may not cover you. The good news is that you can upgrade your GVM and it is a relatively easy and affordable process.
Reaching Your Maximum GVM
Reaching or exceeding your GVM is actually quite easy to do. When your vehicle is fully loaded for a journey or if you are a tradesperson constantly carrying tools and equipment, your vehicle may be overloaded beyond its GVM and payload capacity and you may not even know it. A vehicle can reach its GVM when fitted with a steel tray and toolboxes or with two or more large adults riding in the vehicle. Knowing this, it is important to be aware of your GVM and the weight that you are carrying in your vehicle. A GVM upgrade will prevent you from unintentionally passing your maximum limit, and ensure the safety of your vehicle is not compromised.
What’s Involved in a GVM Upgrade?
Upgrading your GVM requires fitting a new, stronger suspension system to the vehicle. The brakes and axles should be in good condition – an approved engineer will need to check the compliance plate and individual axle weights on your vehicle before any modifications can be done. Once testing and inspection has been completed, a GVM upgrade kit can be fitted to your vehicle. When the GVM upgrade kit has been installed the vehicle will be inspected by an authorised automotive engineer in your state and you will be issued with a compliance certificate.
Is My Vehicle Warranty Affected When Fitting A GVM Upgrade?
We’re here to guide you through the world of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrades. If you’ve been thinking about boosting your vehicle’s carrying capacity, we’ll help you understand why it’s essential and how to choose the right provider.
We’ll also demystify costs and explain the upgrade process, ensuring you’re well-informed every step of the way.
Let us make your GVM upgrade journey smoother; after all, we’re in this together!
Key Takeaways
- The cost of GVM upgrades can vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, components required, labour costs, and legal certifications.
The Importance of GVM Upgrades for Your Vehicle
If you’re considering GVM upgrades for your vehicle, it’s crucial to note that we at AME Automotive have the expertise and experience to ensure top-notch service. We understand the importance of these upgrades for enhancing your vehicle’s performance and safety.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry including its own weight. Overloading vehicles beyond their GVM can lead to severe consequences. It reduces vehicle control, increases fuel consumption, and could lead to a hefty fine or voided insurance if caught.
Upgrading the GVM allows you to legally increase this weight limit. This upgrade is essential for those who often tow heavy loads or travel with heaps of gear.
We don’t just slap on heavier springs and call it a day; we carefully assess your vehicle’s needs before performing any upgrade. We’ll replace necessary components such as shock absorbers, brakes, tyres and more depending on what your specific car requires.
Trust us when we say that GVM upgrades are not just about accommodating extra load but also ensuring your ride remains smooth while keeping you safe on the road – because at AME Automotive, customer satisfaction is our top priority!
Factors Affecting the Cost of GVM Upgrades
You’re likely wondering about the factors that can affect the cost of enhancing your vehicle’s load capacity. The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Several elements come into play when we calculate the cost of a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade.
Firstly, the type of vehicle matters. Some vehicles require more extensive work than others, which naturally increases the cost.
Secondly, we consider the specific components needed for your upgrade. Different brands and quality parts have various prices – you get what you pay for in terms of durability and performance.
Labour is another crucial factor. We pride ourselves on our skilled technicians who provide top-notch service; their expertise isn’t cheap but it’s worth every penny to ensure a safe and efficient GVM upgrade.
Lastly, certain legal certifications may be necessary depending on your location or intended use of the vehicle post-upgrade. These certifications aren’t free and will contribute to the overall cost.
We understand that budgeting for this kind of project can be daunting but we’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring you understand where every dollar goes in upgrading your vehicle’s load capacity.
Understanding the GVM Upgrade Process
Let’s delve into understanding the process of enhancing a vehicle’s load capacity.
A Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade involves improving your vehicle’s suspension system to increase its legal carrying capacity. We start by identifying your specific requirements based on the weight you intend to carry or tow regularly.
Next, we assess your vehicle’s current GVM and compare it with the manufacturer’s specified limit. If there’s a significant gap, we’ll recommend a suitable upgrade package tailored for your needs.
We then replace weaker components of the suspension system with more robust ones that can handle heavier loads. This might include fitting stronger springs, shock absorbers or even changing axle configurations.
Throughout this process, we strictly adhere to safety regulations and guidelines outlined by the authorities. After all adjustments are made, we conduct rigorous testing to ensure every component is functioning correctly under increased load conditions.
Finally, certification occurs where an engineer inspects our work and verifies if it complies with required standards before issuing a compliance plate. This step confirms that your car is now legally approved to carry additional weight.
Benefits of Investing in a GVM Upgrade
Investing in a load capacity enhancement can greatly improve your vehicle’s safety and handling, especially when carrying heavy loads. It’s an investment that we believe is worthwhile, as the benefits are far-reaching. Not only does it enhance the performance of your vehicle, but it also extends its lifespan.
When we upgrade your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), we’re essentially increasing its maximum legal weight. This allows you to carry more gear or tow heavier trailers without compromising on safety or breaking any laws. We’ve seen how this can make a significant difference for clients who use their vehicles for work or recreational activities.
Moreover, GVM upgrades can lead to better fuel efficiency due to improved weight distribution across the vehicle. This means you’ll spend less on fuel in the long run – a win-win situation if you ask us!
Finally, having an upgraded GVM increases your vehicle’s resale value. Potential buyers will see the added benefit and be willing to pay more for it.
In short, we highly recommend GVM upgrades because they improve safety, handling, performance, fuel efficiency, and even increase resale value! Trust us; it’s an investment worth making!
How to Choose the Right GVM Upgrade Provider
Choosing the right provider for enhancing load capacity isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. We’ve got to consider several factors, like the provider’s experience, quality of products, customer service, and after-sales support.
AME Automotive is a company we can trust. With over 30 years of experience in automobile mechanics, they’ve proven their expertise in this field. But it’s not just about how long they’ve been around; they’re committed to delivering top-quality services and products. They don’t cut corners or use substandard materials.
Customer service is another area where AME excels. From the moment we walk in their door till our car rolls out better than before, we’re treated with utmost respect and professionalism. They’re transparent about what needs fixing and won’t sit on issues that could cause problems down the line.
After-sales support is crucial too. With AME Automotive, we are assured of continuous assistance even after our GVM upgrade has been installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Duration of a GVM Upgrade Procedure?
We’re often asked about the typical duration of a GVM upgrade procedure. It’s not a quick job; we usually need around two to three days, depending on the vehicle’s condition and specific upgrade requirements.
Can a GVM Upgrade Void My Vehicle’s Warranty?
We’re often asked if a GVM upgrade can void a vehicle’s warranty. It’s important to know that, done properly, it shouldn’t. However, we’d always recommend checking with your manufacturer first for absolute peace of mind.
Are There Any Potential Negative Impacts on My Vehicle’s Performance After a GVM Upgrade?
We’ve noticed that a GVM upgrade can sometimes impact vehicle performance. It might affect fuel efficiency or handling. However, we’re experts at minimizing these effects and ensuring your ride remains as smooth as possible.
Is It Possible to Reverse a GVM Upgrade if I’m Unsatisfied with the Results?
We’re often asked if it’s possible to reverse a GVM upgrade. The short answer is yes, we can reverse the process if you’re not satisfied. However, it’s a complex task that requires expert handling.
Are There Any Legal Considerations or Requirements Involved in Getting a GVM Upgrade?
Yes, there are legal requirements for GVM upgrades. We’ll need to comply with state regulations and certifications. It’s essential we follow these laws to ensure the safety and legality of your vehicle’s modifications.
Conclusion
At AME Automotive, we’re your reliable partner for GVM upgrades. We understand the importance of these upgrades and make sure they meet safety standards.
Our commitment to transparency ensures you’re always informed about your vehicle’s needs. Not only do we provide excellent service, but we also clean and wash your car post-service. Choosing us means choosing quality, honesty, and superior customer service in Perth’s automotive industry.