What best describes how uneven load affects vehicle handling?

• A. It only affects speed
• B. It degrades handling due to center of gravity shift
• C. It improves handling
• D. It has no effect

Answer: (B)

Uneven load shifts the vehicle’s center of gravity and weight distribution, which changes how the vehicle behaves during acceleration, braking, and especially cornering. When weight isn’t evenly spread, more mass ends up on one side or higher up, increasing body roll and reducing tire grip on the lighter side. That makes steering feel less predictable and braking stability worse. In an emergency vehicle, this shift can raise rollover risk during sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Handling hinges on balance and how weight transfers across the tires, so an uneven load degrades handling rather than improving it, and it certainly isn’t limited to affecting speed or having no effect.