Thanks to the beautiful innovations of automobiles that transformed people’s transportation needs forever. The intriguing design philosophy of a car made it easier to commute from one place to another. With further modification, there came the additional features and functionalities in the name of upgrades.
Out of all the popular car attachments that enhance and strengthen the mode of long drives, car roof racks have been an in-thing. Though some vehicles feature pre-installed racks, others get this bonus perk by investing in them. Now that you’re planning for a road trip, there’s no denying you need it. As road travels are incomplete without the rack, here’s presenting the five things you must check before buying one.
1. Measuring The Right Size of The Rack
The fit is a fundamental parameter that determines the right roof rack for your vehicle. It’s more affordable from your end to check the roof rack’s size before demonstrating whether it fits your car. Given the multiple measures of roof racks designed for accommodating varying sizes of cars, always choose the right size.
Suppose you have a big roof rack that increases the storage space on the vehicle. It offers a robust platform for transporting equipment. So, you need to select a larger-sized rack that fits your required accessories (which are otherwise not possible to stack in your car’s interior). Let’s take the example of the land rover discovery roof rack.
To determine the ideal size of your vehicle, all you need is to find out the vehicle roof’s weight capacity. You can check the manual and find the roof rack and load carrier capacity. The size mustn’t hinder your car from fitting inside the garage.
For instance, if you have chosen a bigger sized rack, it might get difficult to open the garage door after installing it. So, ask for pro advice from your mechanic before making the purchase.
2. The Right Roof Rack Type for Your Car
While performing market research, you’d find an array of roof racks available at cost-effective and expensive prices. Some are for temporary use, while others are permanent. Their installation methods are also unique and different. But the durable racks are always pricier.
Deciding on a budget-friendly roof rack purchase would require considering the correct type. You’d need to choose a style that suits your requirements. Often, car owners prefer going for permanent racks because they are stronger and more durable.
Despite being pegged with a higher price, they are thus more popular among fans. However, if you choose the universal racks, you would be surprised to know it gets installed in any vehicle.
Sadly, there’s one downside to this type of rack. Although universal racks get installed easily, they aren’t superior to the previously-mentioned type in terms of durability. In addition to this, the factory roof racks are also great to use. They come pre-installed on some cars.
As you continue to perform an online survey regarding the types of roof racks, here’s highlighting the significant names in a nutshell:
- Side rails
- Fixed point racks
- Rain gutter racks, etc.
3. Strength And Durability
There’s no harm in selecting an inexpensive product on the market. But considering the price solely without assessing the rack’s quality is an error. Thus, choosing a low-priced rack might bring trouble on your long journey as they are not durable and strong. While you survey the best roof racks, always consider durability and strength as two quintessential parameters determining the right choice.
A robust rack is not only long-lasting but also durable. In a majority of cases, it delivers value for your investment. The roof rack’s material must withstand adverse weather and road conditions such as dirty trails, fire, etc. If your rack and accessory are made of plastic, it may be a disaster as plastic breaks in no time.
Besides having an inferior load rating, it fades in the tremendous sunlight and may affect the fuel consumption of your vehicle. So, you should look for a rack that enhances your adventure without considering corrosion.
4. Design Philosophy And Style Statement
Did you know each luggage you plan on the roof rack affects the fuel economy as well as noise? Yes, that’s the reason why you need a sturdy rack that mitigates the impact of fuel and noise use.
Whichever variant you choose, ensure that it has a low profile that makes loading and unloading the accessories and gear more seamless. It should have features such that you don’t drag your accessories that much.
With such an item, you don’t just manage fuel mileage but also noise reduction too. The roof rack’s material helps determine the longevity; some materials are even more resistant to corrosion than the rest of the racks.
5. Accessories to Fit Atop
Although the factors mentioned above are pretty significant for selecting the right roof rack, there’s no denying the paramount importance of estimating the accessories you will take on your voyage. Before going for the purchase, consider what type of gear you would take.
There are roof baskets, kayak carriers, cargo boxes, and bike carriers. These accessories serve individual purposes and come in varying sizes. How many pieces of equipment you take depends on the size and crossbar width of the car.
Don’t just buy a roof rack – own it by determining this factor. Learn the size and numbers of accessories to ensure the size of the rack for accommodating. The best would be to choose a multiple-purpose rack that has versatility and countless adventure opportunities. On this note, roof basket accessories are ideal, while cargo boxes are great for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Storing luggage and baggage becomes seamless when you have a pre-installed or installed roof rack. After all, it stores items that don’t fit in the interior while going for a trip. All in all, it enhances your adventure. That makes it evident that you require the accessory for long drives and camping road trips. So, which one are you investing in?
