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Car Service, Repairs and Upgrades in Greenock
Barossa 4x4 & Outdoors have been servicing customers cars in Greenock, Nuriootpa and the Barossa area since 2010 and offer great service at a better price.
Read moreGVM Upgrade for Off-road or Light Commercial Vehicles
As outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and serious 4x4 vehicle owners, understanding the critical balance of weight and vehicle performance is crucial to your off-roading success. That’s where a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade comes in handy. This piece takes an in-depth look at the importance of GVM upgrades, differences in pre and post-registration modifications, and associated regulations in South Australia.
Why a GVM Upgrade is Essential
The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) refers to the maximum allowable weight a vehicle can carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself. If you intend to add aftermarket additions like bull bars, roof racks, or tow a trailer or a boat, it's highly likely you may exceed your vehicle's specified GVM. This can compromise your vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, and safety on the road. Moreover, overloading your vehicle is not only unsafe but also illegal, leading to potential void warranties, fines, and rejected insurance claims. Therefore, it becomes essential to consider a GVM upgrade that allows you to increase your vehicle's payload capacity safely and legally.
Pre-registration versus Post-registration GVM Upgrade
In South Australia, GVM upgrades can occur either pre-registration (before the first registration of a new vehicle) or post-registration.
Pre-registration GVM upgrades occur while the vehicle is new, i.e., before its first registration and doesn't require an engineers report.
On the other hand, post-registration upgrades, undertaken after the vehicle has been registered and if it has been registered for more than 12 months, require rigorous testing and approval by the DIT to ensure the vehicle meets applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Post-registration GVM upgrades require careful analysis by a Light Vehicle Engineering Signatory (LVES) to ensure the vehicle remains safe to drive and must be inspected at Regency.
More about GVM Upgrades in South Australia
According to the South Australian government website, for light vehicles with a GVM no more than 4,500 kg, owners requiring an increase in the GVM or Braked Towing Capacity (BTC) will have to upgrade elements like springs, dampers, tyres and the engine's cooling capacity. This can affect ride comfort, handling, and braking characteristics and the durability of components such as axles.
Suspension Leaf Spring upgrade by Barossa 4X4 & Outdoors
Suspension Shock Absorber upgrade by Barossa 4X4 & Outdoors
Suspension Coil Springs upgrade by Barossa 4X4 & Outdoors
The Role of Barossa 4X4 & Outdoors
Barossa 4x4 & Outdoors, located in Greenock, is a licensed service provider for GVM upgrades. As an exclusive agent and installer of Toughdog Suspension kits and upgrades, we assure you that our team of experienced and skilled technicians can help you with GVM upgrade procedures, ensuring your vehicle maintains its optimum performance, even with increased weight capacities.
Ensure you have the freedom to adventure safely and with full compliance to South Australian regulations by considering a GVM upgrade from Barossa 4x4 & Outdoors.
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