What can occur if a vehicle's weight exceeds its listed factory specifications?

When a vehicle's weight exceeds its listed factory specifications, it can cause undue stress on braking and steering components, leading to potential failure. Vehicles are designed with specific weight limits to ensure optimal performance, safety, and handling. Exceeding these limits can result in increased strain on key systems like brakes, which may have to work harder to stop the additional weight. This excessive strain can cause brake components to wear out faster or even fail completely, especially during demanding conditions such as steep descents or emergency stops.

Additionally, steering systems are calibrated for a certain weight distribution and load. When the weight exceeds what the vehicle is designed to handle, it can lead to oversteering or understeering, making the vehicle more difficult to control. Therefore, maintaining the manufacturer's recommended weight limits is crucial for the safety and functionality of the vehicle.