What Are The Must-Have Features Of A Quality Roof Rack? Key Factors Explained

Cars come in different types and sizes. But most of them have one thing in common. They have limited space. In other words, adding extra room to your vehicle when needed is always a challenge, particularly if you don't have the right accessories.

Fortunately, nothing maximizes the space in your automobile like the right roof rack.

With an estimated market size of 2.11 billion, the global demand for automotive roof racks shows that these accessories offer substantial value for money. However, you need to pick one that's suitable for your car. There are different brands and sizes on the market at various prices.

This post is here to help you narrow down your options and determine which features make the perfect right roof rack for your car. So, let's begin with the basics.

Why Should You Use a Roof Rack?

The idea behind a roof rack is simple. It allows users to transport items of different sizes and weights atop their vehicle, leaving more room within the actual car. In other words, you don't have to sacrifice your cabin space for high-volume items if you fix a roof rack.

Therefore, passengers, pets, and personal luggage can enjoy more room, while items like camping gear, kayaks, and bikes have more suitable storage space on the roof rack. It's ideal for long journeys and outdoor adventures.

This explains why roof racks are a staple for off road vehicles like the Ineos Grenadier.

So, whether you’re getting a premium like the Ineos Grenadier roof rack or any other product, it's vital to look out for the following features.

Key Features of a Quality Roof Rack

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1. Customizability

One of the first things differentiating roof racks is whether they are custom-fit or designed for universal use. In this case, there's no simple answer. You must determine the best type for your car and its intended use.

As the name suggests, universal roof racks can accommodate cars of different types and models. Usually, you'll find they're easier to install, which can prove advantageous if you switch your roof rack from one vehicle to another.

On the flip side, custom-fit roof racks offer bespoke designs that accommodate your car or vehicle's unique build. Their hands-on design means they're better fitting for their intended car. You can also expect improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, among others.

But these additional perks come at an extra cost, especially since you'll need an expert to install this roof rack. Hence, you should be ready to shell out some extra cash if customization is a feature you must have in your roof rack.

2. Light System

As the roof rack market expands, manufacturers continue to find ways to include new and improved features in the products they bring to the market. Search for a roof rack online; you might find some with a dedicated lighting system. When you think about it, most people who get these racks use them outback and in the wild. Therefore, having a lighting feature to improve usability during low visibility situations is a no-brainer.

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3. Height & Clearance

You should know that every roof rack, no matter the brand or build, will add extra height to your automobile. This affects your vehicle clearance when driving or parking in low-hanging spaces such as tight trails or parking garages. Thus, it's vital to go for a roof rack that keeps your vehicle's profile at a reasonable height so you don't have to deal with any clearance challenges during outdoor excursions.

When your expensive sports gear is on top of your car, it's possible to forget about them. So be cautious around enclosed parking lots, low-hanging bridges, and drive-thrus. Plus, if you park in your garage, make sure to put up a sign or anything to let others know that you have to dismount your gear from the rack before you pull in.

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4. Mounting System

Generally, roof racks attach to vehicles via removable or fixed clamp systems or mounting tracks. The type of mounting system a particular roof rack features will determine whether it's compatible with the configuration of your car's roof. Plus, matching the right roof configuration and mounting system ensures the rack offers full features, has stable attachments, and secures your belongings when off-roading. When packing bicycles or other equipment, gently tug on the various components of your roof rack to ensure everything is secure and tight.

5. Aerodynamics And Wind Noise

The design of certain roof racks considers aerodynamics to lessen the amount of wind resistance and noise associated with the racks. If you're going on long trips, you should get a roof rack that blocks wind noise and keeps your gas mileage high.

Check to see what the roof rack can hold in terms of weight. It must be strong enough to hold the total weight of your equipment and any installed accessories. Also, ensure that you know how much weight the vehicle can take. The load plus the roof rack's total weight must be within the vehicle’s weight capacity. Remember, it's possible for a lighter roof rack to carry a higher load, provided it’s robust enough to do so.

Conclusion

Getting the perfect rack for your car couldn’t be easier, provided you know the factors to consider. All you have to do is remember these pointers by looking out for the most relevant features your car needs. Also, get the opinions of folks who have the vehicle or roof rack system you're thinking about buying. It's as easy as approaching random people and asking them how they enjoy their car roof racks. They usually go into detail about their complete setup.

Headline photo by: Fluid Imagery on Unsplash