Roof bars for your car

Roof racks are used for transporting luggage on vehicles. They allow you to attach bicycles and fishing, sport or camping equipment to your car roof. As standard, these products usually include support bars, backstops, and fasteners.

Types of roof racks: 10 key facts

1. These car accessories are made from various materials. Steel is used because it is strong and can withstand great weights, but the material is heavy. Aluminium racks are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but they are expensive. If you plan to use the product regularly, choose a model with enhanced aerodynamics. This type has a low air resistance and therefore guarantees greater acoustic comfort while driving.
2. The most common designs are roof crossbar and basket racks. The dimensions of the crossbars are limited by the dimensions of the upper part of the body and baskets are more aesthetically pleasing and versatile.
3. If the vehicle has rails on its roof, the structure can be attached to them. The advantages of these products lie in the fact that they do not contact the car body and they are relatively easy to install. However, due to the high centre of gravity of the load, the vehicle may become less stable. If the standard roof rails are flush and have no gap between them and the body, the roof rack must be chosen for this particular vehicle model. This is because the clips must match the shape of the standard fitted rails.
4. If the car is equipped with attachment points, the accessories are fixed to them with threaded fasteners, so that they are securely attached and can carry the weight of the load. However, this means that you are not able to change the position of the roof accessory and products with larger dimensions cannot be installed. If the structure includes threaded fasteners, treat them with a silicone grease before installing the product.
5. By using a T-slot mount or magnets, you can install the roof rack anywhere on the roof. The first method ensures an even load distribution. Magnets are only suitable for securing small, light loads, however, they may leave scuff marks on the bodywork.
6. Rubber or plastic-coated side clips allow the accessory to be securely attached to the door frames. This minimises the likelihood of damage to the paintwork.
7. Some models include various locking mechanisms to prevent theft. If a product includes retractable components, this will not obstruct you from accessing the luggage.
8. The maximum load capacity of the vehicle is specified in its operation manual.
9. Tighten the fasteners one by one and in an alternating criss-cross pattern. This will help prevent the components from becoming unstable or misaligned.
10. During long journeys or when driving off-road, make regular stops to check that the product and the luggage are securely attached. Vehicles should not exceed the maximum speed of 130 km/h when carrying a roof rack. When transporting bulky items, the maximum permitted speed is 90 km/h.

Convenient shopping and great deals at the onlinecarparts.co.uk online shop

You can always buy roof racks at affordable prices on our website.