Roof racks seem a little bit obscure at first if you’ve never needed to carry large loads. But if and when your family grows and realise you need more space for their stuff, extra storage is key. Such items include a bike rack, a roof box, or surfboard boxes. Whatever it is being brought along, you’re going to need roof racks to support it all.
The most important question is which roof racks fit your car? There are a couple of different factors to consider at this point. The first thing is to note what is whether your car has roof rails on them already. Because cars obviously come is a multitude of sizes and shapes, roof racks come in three parts to make them more universal in fitting various cars – bars, feet, and fitting kits. Cars with solid roof rails fitted by the manufacturer (frequently estates and SUVs) may not need the fitting kits – only the feet and bars.
There are two types of roof rails that manufacturers fit: raised ones that have a gap between the roof and the rail, and integrated/flush that don’t. On the other hand, cars with fixed points or nothing at all will need all three parts. Fixed points do not protrude from the roof like solid rails. There are usually four of them on a car, often along two black strips – one on each side of the roof. Some also support most bike racks as well.
The best roof racks at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Thule WingBar Edge Complete All-in-One Racks – Buy from Amazon
Best budget racks for raised roof rails: Summit SUM-005 locking roof bars – Buy from Amazon
Best for flushed rails: Thule Wingbar Edge for Flushed Rails – Buy from Amazon
In addition to the way roof bars attach, they also come in a range of sizes to accommodate the different widths of cars. Both Amazon Garage and Halfords’ search tool are useful resources in filtering which roof racks fit your car. But you still need to be aware of whether you need racks for raised, flush, or no roof rails. Another great benefit they have over, say, bike racks, is that roof-mounted racks don’t intrude with parking sensors on your vehicle.
The best car roof racks
Editor's pick
Pros
- Universal fit thanks to telescopic feet
- Rated at 75kg
Cons
- You need existing roof rails
Best budget racks for raised roof rails
Pros
- Rated up to 75kg
- Lightweight
Cons
- Quality isn't as great as the Thule racks
Best for raised roof bars
They also feature locks to keep everything secure from thieves. However, they're nowhere near as aerodynamic as other options so expect wind noise.
Pros
- Great value
- Rated up to 75kg
Cons
- Not as aerodynamic as the others
Best for flushed rails
They're rated up to 75kg and come in a number of different sizes to suit different vehicles.
Pros
- Aerodynamic design
- Rated up to 75kg
Cons
- Only really ideal for newer vehicles
Best budget roof racks for those without rails
The alternative is the vastly cheaper set of Summit roof racks. The drawbacks are that the load limit is only 50kgs – but that is completely circumstantial as to whether that matters to you. The other obvious difference is the design – square bars to Thule’s aeroplane-style Edge WingBars.
Pros
- Ideal for cars without roof rails
- Very good value
Cons
- Only a 50kg load limit
Best budget roof racks
This soft roof rack is easy to fit with no tools required. Plus, it comes with a handy storage bag for you to conveniently pack the padded rack and store it in your vehicle's boot when needed. It should be noted - when supporting a load with this soft roof rack, the maximum speed you can drive is 50mph.
Pros
- Existing roof bars not needed
- Ideal for carrying short, lightweight items
Cons
- Max speed limit of 50mph - dangerous on motorways and carriageways
FAQs
What are the most fuel-efficient roof bars? Aerodynamic roof bars, such as those with a low profile and streamlined design, are the most fuel-efficient as they reduce wind resistance.
How do I find the right roof bars for my car? Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle, use an online fit guide from reputable roof bar brands, or consult with a specialist retailer.
Is it OK to leave roof bars on car? Yes, but it is generally recommended to remove them when not in use to reduce wind resistance, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent potential wear or theft.
Are Thule crossbars worth it? Thule crossbars are considered worth it due to their high quality, durability, ease of installation, and aerodynamic design which can enhance fuel efficiency.
What are the disadvantages of a roof rack? Disadvantages include increased wind resistance, reduced fuel efficiency, potential noise, added vehicle height, and the risk of damage to the car or cargo if not installed correctly.
How fast can I drive with roof bars? Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 70mph with roof bars installed, but always check the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
How much MPG do you lose with a roof rack? You can lose 5-15% of your fuel efficiency with a roof rack, depending on its design, the load, and driving speed.
Do roof bars affect insurance? Yes, roof bars can affect insurance as they are considered a modification. It’s advisable to inform your insurer to ensure coverage in case of damage or theft.
Why are roof bars so expensive? Roof bars are expensive due to the high-quality materials used, engineering for durability and aerodynamic efficiency, brand reputation, and the cost of meeting safety and regulatory standards.
What are the different kinds of roof racks?
The cheapest option is a simple steel square bar setup. If you want something lighter and more aerodynamic, aluminium bars are the answer. However, one step further are the Aero bars exclusive to Thule – the most aerodynamic option. They’re made from aluminium and reduce wind noise to a minimum. They’re also a bit more efficient for aerodynamics and are therefore kinder to your car’s fuel consumption. You should note, though, that despite any efforts from wind deflectors, you will never escape the wind noise caused by things (like roof bags) sitting on top of roof racks. And the extra weight and drag will affect fuel consumption as well on your journeys.
In addition, you need to know that there are also different types of roof rails. Cars either possess no roof rails at all, which need a full fitting kit to fit roof racks; flushed/integrated rails that look like slim lines along each side of the roof; or raised roof rails, which you can distinguish by the gap between the rails and the roof. The same story applies to the subject of van roof racks.
Different roof racks often vary in what weights they can hold. Therefore, some with lighter limits will not be so suitable for big camping trips, but rather a pair of mountain bikes. Your car’s roof will also have a weight limit so it’s vital to be aware of what it is before choosing and fitting roof racks and loading them up. Refer to your car’s manual to be sure. Then you can start thinking about car travel rugs to keep your pet’s hair off the upholstery.
How we choose
All of these roof racks have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching roof racks to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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