Roof racks and load bars
How to use roof racks and load bars more safely on a car.
Roof racks and load bars may seem simple, but incorrect fitting or overloading the roof can lead to worse driving characteristics and greater damage during a collision or avoidance manoeuvre.
What you need to know
- Roof loads affect the car’s centre of gravity and sensitivity to side wind.
- The maximum roof load is stated in the car’s documentation and must be respected.
- Incorrect fitting can cause the equipment to come loose or damage the car.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Roof box before a holiday trip | Check weight, height and mounting points before departure. | Packing the heaviest items at the top because it is convenient. |
| Empty load bars in daily use | Consider removing them if they are not being used. | Leaving them on without thinking about noise and consumption. |
| Driving in side wind | Reduce speed and expect more movement from the car. | Treating the car as if it were unchanged. |
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong or poorly fitting attachment points.
- Forgetting the new overall height at parking garages and low bridges.
- Failing to retighten after the first kilometres.
How to practice
Combine this with Roof loads and roof boxes , Dimension limits - height, width and length and Holiday travel by car - luggage and roof box .