What do you pay attention to when choosing roof racks?

There is a roof rack for almost all cars. You do have to take into account a number of factors that have to do with your car. What do you pay attention to when choosing roof racks? Here we explain what you should take into account.

Can your car carry something on the roof?

The first question is to check whether your car can have roof racks. And then what is the maximum weight for the roof. Is that enough for what you want to do? You can find the maximum roof load in kilograms in the manual of the car or in the AutoWeek CarBase car comparator under the heading ‘Weights’ of your car type (you can also look up older types). This is also useful if you are looking at another car and you want to know whether it is also suitable for taking your stuff on the roof. Also keep in mind that this roof load includes the weight of the roof racks and any roof box!

How do you attach the roof rack to the car?

With the so-called kit set you attach the roof racks to the car itself. And that set varies according to the construction of the roof:

• with open roof railing: there is an open space between the railing and the roof. That is easy to attach the carriers to.
• with closed roof railing: there is a railing but it has no opening with the roof
• with reinforced points, possibly in a gutter, to support the carriers.
• without special markings. Then the roof rack is clamped around the edge.

With a foot set you connect the mounting kit and the final carriers.

It will be clear that you are quickly dependent on a combination of kit set and foot set that is tailored to your car. Many online suppliers therefore give you the option to search for your type of car. Then you know for sure that you get the right set. Or of course you go to a dealer or specialty store. They can also supply you with a suitable set there.

Pay attention to the properties of the roof racks

The carriers are available in both aluminum and metal. Aluminum is lighter and due to the internal profiling, often with a T-profile, it can still withstand a high load. It is more expensive.

You can also choose between a square profile and an aerodynamic, wing-like profile. The latter has the advantage that it gives less air resistance and is often quieter. Certainly if you leave the carriers on the car more often and for longer, this increases the comfort.

There are also roof racks that are adjustable in width, so that they can better match the width of your car.

Good luck with your roof rack selection!