There are several types of roof bars for vehicles, including roof racks, crossbars, and roof rails. Roof racks provide a full platform for cargo, crossbars connect to roof rails or directly to the vehicle’s roof, and roof rails are integrated into the vehicle’s design, allowing for easy attachment of accessories. Each type serves specific purposes and can accommodate various cargo and sports equipment.
Choosing Roof Bars for Your Vehicle
Most travel lovers love to have a roof rack or a roof bar. It is crucial for carrying luggage, camping gear, household equipment, sporting tools, and more. A roof bar can easily handle larger sporting equipment, such as a surfboard, ladder, kayak, bike, and other items.
Additionally, roof bars fit onto the vehicle’s roof and require a connection system to attach them. You can use various connecting systems like clamps or any fitting kit.
Since various roof bars are currently available, people find choosing which one to buy challenging. In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of roof bars available and provide information on installing a roof bar on a vehicle.
Here we go –
What is a Roof Bar?
Before discussing this in detail, let us first understand a roof bar. I have already answered this question previously. But to reiterate, a roof bar fits onto the rooftop of a vehicle and is a perfect product for holding luggage and other bulky items, making journeys more comfortable and effortless.
Different Kinds of Roof Bars
Here is an overview of the different types of roof bars available:
Raised Rail Bars
Raised rail bars are designed for vehicles with factory-fitted raised rails running along the roof’s length. These roof bars clamp onto the rails and are easy to install. Moreover, they also provide a secure and stable platform for carrying your cargo.
Flush Rail Bars
Flush rail bars are similar to raised rail bars, but they are designed for vehicles with flush-mounted rails hidden under the vehicle’s roofline. As a result, these bars got a sleek and streamlined look. These roof bars also clamp onto the rails and are available in various sizes and weight capacities.
Fixed Point Bars
Fixed point bars use fastening points in the roof to mount roof racks. These points are generally not visible and stay under a cover. The roof bars attach directly to these fastening points, providing a secure mounting point for a vehicle’s cargo.
Rain Gutter Bars
Rain gutter bars are mainly designed for older vehicles, with rain gutters running along the roof’s edge. They are capable of providing a secure mounting point for the roof bars. In addition, these roof bars are available in different sizes and weight capacities.
Door Jamb Bars
Door jamb bars are designed for vehicles with no pre-installed mounting points on the roof. These roof bars clamp onto your vehicle’s door frame and provide a stable and secure platform for carrying your cargo. Additionally, they are easy to install and remove and are available in various sizes and weight capacities.
Aero Bars
Aero bars are designed to reduce wind resistance and noise. They have superb aerodynamic capability. For this reason, they can significantly reduce the drag and improving fuel efficiency. Aero bars are the most modern type of roof bars and are easily compatible with most roof rack accessories. They are available in different sizes and weight capacities.
Which Type of Roof Bar is Perfect for My Car
Many car owners wonder which type of roof bar would be perfect for their car. Well, it’s a valid question. To know about it clearly, let’s consider some options –
Vehicle Model
If you want to know which roof bar will fit your car, you should learn the vehicle’s make, model, and year. In that case, you can check the manufacturer’s specs to know it clearly. One popular option is to use a roofbarcompatibility tool on a retailer’s website.
Many online retailers that sell roof bars have a tool that helps you input your vehicle information and suggest compatible roof bars.
Another option is to consult the manufacturer’s website or product manual for specifications on compatible roof bars for your specific make, model, and vehicle year.
It’s important to note that not all roof bars are compatible with all cars. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you purchase the correct roof bars for your specific vehicle to provide a secure and safe fit.
Roof Bars’ Properties
You should consider the roof bars’ properties. For instance, some bars have weight restrictions, which could cause a problem with more family members.
Check Weight Limits
Usually, you can see the weight limits on the box. Generally, roof bars are capable of holding weight limits between 70 to 200 pounds. Nevertheless, you should also remember the weight limit of your car’s roof. To know about it, you must check the car’s instruction manual provided by the manufacturing company.
This is the best way to know if the roof can take the weight of roof bars and your traveling gear.
How to Fit Roof Bars on the Car
Fitting roof bars on the car isn’t a complicated process. All you need to do is follow some simple rules –
Fix the Bar
Before purchasing a roof bar, ensure you know which bar fits your car. In that case, you can consult the manufacturing company or dealership for the correct size and type.
Clean the Roof
Before attaching the roof bar to the car’s top, clean any debris and residues from the roof.
Attach the Bars
Adjust the bars on the car top to fit the roof.
Secure the Bars
This depends on the type of roof bars. Secure the bars onto the car’s roof using the locking mechanism or equipment provided.
Connect the Bars
Connect the locks to the bars and test whether they work with the key.
Test Load Capacity
If you feel that the roof bar is adequately secured, test the load capacity of the bars to ensure they can hold the weight of your cargo.
So, this is how you can properly fit the roof bars to the car’s top. However, I suggest you check the manual for proper instructions on holding a roof bar onto your car.
Frequently Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Q – What type of products can roof bars carry?
A – Roof bars are usually used by sports enthusiasts, travelers, or business people who need to carry various products. However, let’s go into more specific details. Roof bars are perfect for carrying accessories such as bike racks, roof boxes, ski boards, snowboards, large-sized household or business materials, etc.
Q – What are the weight limits of a Roof Bar?
A – Roof bars’ weight limits usually stay between 60 to 100 kg. This is the safest weight that the roof bar can carry. But, you must check the user manual given by the car to determine the safe weight that the vehicle’s roof can support. For instance, you may have purchased a bar capable of carrying 100 kg weight, but the car’s capability is around 80 kg. In that case, you must adjust to the lower weight.
Q – How much time do I need to fit roof bars?
A – If you are an expert, you can fit the bars within 10 minutes. If you don’t have the expertise, try to take help from a professional or watch YouTube videos on how to set up a roof bar. It’s not rocket science, and you can understand it within a short time.
Q – Can I go through a car wash with the roof bar on my vehicle?
A – You can, but car experts don’t recommend it. It’s pretty risky since the brush can get stuck into the bar and break it. Moreover, a car wash can also negatively impact the bars’ paintworks. The roof bar warranty can also be void due to it. So, it’s not recommendable.
Q – How much does a roof bar cost?
A – Roof bars usually start from $80 and can go up to $350. It will depend on the size and materials.
Q – Can roof bars damage my vehicle?
A – Yes, they can. If the bar isn’t fitted correctly in the vehicle, it can severely damage the vehicle. You must take help from a professional if you’re not confident enough to hold the bar on the car. Additionally, closely follow the instructions from the manual before fitting it.
Q – Do roof bars affect fuel economy?
A – The truth is that any modification in the car will indeed affect the fuel economy of the car. The same thing goes for a roof bar. It doesn’t matter how high-quality bar you’re using; it will more or less affect the car’s fuel economy.
Conclusion
So, that was the discussion from me. I hope you’ve gained adequate knowledge regarding the different types of roof bars and how to fit them properly. Since it is an expensive product, you must know which one could be perfect for you. What’s your opinion regarding the article? Do you have anything to know? If yes, please comment in the box below
