A heavy or high load shifts the vehicle's:

Question: A heavy or high load shifts the vehicle's:

Answer options: ✅ Centre of gravity

• Headlight aim
• Steering ratio
• Throttle response

Correct answer: Centre of gravity

Explanation: Loading a vehicle with a heavy or high cargo shifts its center of gravity upward and outward, destabilizing the vehicle and increasing rollover risks during turns. This fundamental physical concept is crucial for safe-loading practices outlined in the SAAQ Driver’s Handbook. While a heavy load might marginally tilt the chassis, headlight aim is an adjustable system rather than a structural dynamic, while steering ratio and throttle response are mechanical parameters unaffected by cargo placement. Understanding how cargo distribution alters a vehicle's center of gravity is highly relevant for the SAAQ exam, as drivers must recognize how weight distribution impacts vehicle handling and overall safety limits.