How To Choose The Right Car Roof Bars For Your Vehicle?

Car roof bars are the perfect solution when your vehicle needs a little extra space for adventure. No matter if you're packing up for a road trip, heading to the mountains with your bikes, or carrying bulky gear like kayaks or skis, roof bars turn your car’s roof into valuable storage space. Instead of cramming everything inside, these sturdy bars let you easily and securely transport large items giving you more room and comfort inside the car for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Choosing the right roof bars for your vehicle is important because not all roof bars fit every car. Cars have different types of roofs some have raised rails, while others might have a flat roof without any rails. This is why it's essential to pick roof bars that match your car's design and size. Using the wrong roof bars can lead to serious issues. Poorly fitted bars may not securely hold items, causing them to become loose while driving, which can result in accidents or damage. Mismatched bars can increase wind resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and creating loud noise during your journey. Here you can learn a lot of things that will help you to choose the right car roof bars for your vehicles.

Understand Your Vehicle's Requirements

When choosing the right roof bars for your car, the first step is to check your car's roof type. Different cars have different roof designs, and this affects which type of roof bars will fit. For example:

Raised Rails: These are long rails that run along the sides of the roof, with a gap between the rail and the roof. Roof bars can easily clamp onto these rails.

Flush Rails: These are also long rails, but they sit flat against the roof with no gap. Roof bars for these rails require a special attachment.

Naked Roof: Some cars don’t have any rails at all. For these, you’ll need roof bars that clamp onto the door frames or special mounting points.

Knowing your car’s make, model, and year is crucial when choosing roof bars, as they come in different lengths. Always check your car manual or consult the manufacturer for compatibility information. This ensures you select roof bars that fit properly and meet your vehicle’s weight limits for safe use.

Types Of Car Roof Bars

When it comes to selecting car roof bars understanding the different types can help you choose the right one for your vehicle and needs. Here’s a detailed look at four common types of roof bars:

Fixed Point Roof Bars

Fixed point roof bars are designed for cars that have specific mounting points already built into the roof. These mounting points are often hidden under small covers or marked spots on the car’s roof. You attach the roof bars directly to these fixed points making them a secure and stable option.

Raised Rail Roof Bars

Raised rail roof bars are made for cars that already have raised rails running along the sides of the roof. These raised rails have a small gap between the roof and the rail allowing the roof bars to easily clamp onto them. They’re very straightforward to install, and no extra tools are usually required.

Clamp Roof Bars

Clamp roof bars are designed for cars that don’t have any built-in rails or mounting points (often called “naked roofs”). These bars use a clamp mechanism that attaches to the car’s door frames. They’re versatile and can be used on many different types of vehicles.

T-track Roof Bars

T-track roof bars have a special slot along the top, called a "T-track," which allows you to easily attach and adjust accessories like bike racks or roof boxes. They are highly adaptable making it easy to customize your roof storage based on what you need to carry.

Features To Consider In Car Roof Bars 

When selecting car roof bars, here are 6 important features to consider to ensure safety, ease of use, and durability:

1. Compatibility with Your Vehicle

First, ensure the roof bars are compatible with your car's roof type. Vehicles may have raised rails, flush rails, or naked roofs, so choose bars designed specifically for your car's style.

2. Weight Capacity
Knowing the weight capacity of roof bars is essential. Each set has a different load limit, so choose one that can safely carry your items, such as bikes, luggage, or roof boxes.

3. Durability and Material
Choose roof bars made from durable materials like aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, perfect for regular use, while steel offers extra strength for carrying heavy loads over long distances.

4. Aerodynamics
Aerodynamic roof bars reduce wind resistance, lowering noise and improving fuel efficiency. Flat or curved designs are preferable to square shapes, as they create less drag and enhance your car's performance at higher speeds.

5. Easy Installation

Easy-to-install and remove roof bars are beneficial, especially for occasional use. Many come with tool-free systems or quick-release mechanisms, allowing you to attach and detach them quickly and effortlessly.

6. Locking System

Many roof bars include built-in locks or locking systems to secure them to your car, preventing theft. This feature is crucial for leaving your vehicle unattended with roof bars and attached items.

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Where To Find The Best Car Roof Bars?

If you're looking for reliable and high-quality car roof bars, several trusted brands offer a wide range of options. However, the right place for you is DriveDen which offers a wide selection of car roof bars from top brands like Thule, Modula, and Farad. You can easily find the right set for your car by entering your registration number. They provide various styles, including wing, aero, and steel options, with speedy delivery and secure payment methods like PayPal. You can purchase spare and replacement parts separately, ensuring you get quality products manufactured to high standards across Europe.

Car roof bars are essential for expanding your vehicle's storage and making your adventures more enjoyable. By choosing the right bars from DriveDen that fit your car and meet your needs, you ensure safe and hassle-free travel, whether you're heading to the mountains or going on a road trip.

DriveDen offers an affiliate program, and we're affiliated with them. By clicking this link, you can discover the best Car Roofs for your vehicles at an exclusive discounted price, and we may earn a small commission from your purchase.

For more details about car roofs for your vehicles, visit Staymoon.