6 Benefits Of Installing A Roof Rack On Your Car

A roof rack is a set of bars or rails mounted on the roof of a vehicle, along with towers or mounting feet that attach the bars to the roof. Most roof racks utilize crossbars running perpendicular to the car, providing a platform to mount cargo carriers and accessories. These accessories allow you to transport gear on the roof securely that won't fit inside the vehicle. 

Therefore, roof racks are great for drivers who need extra cargo capacity for sports equipment, outdoor gear, work supplies, and other large items. They are handy for small SUVs, cars, and vehicles with limited interior room. A roof rack creates versatile exterior storage space without renting trailers or large vehicles. 

Installing a roof rack on your car or truck is relatively straightforward. While professional installation is recommended for some vehicle types, DIY kits are also available that provide all necessary mounting hardware and instructions.  

If you're thinking about equipping your vehicle with a roof rack, here are seven appealing benefits- 

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A roof rack's most significant advantage is significantly expanding your vehicle's cargo capabilities. A roof rack provides a place to transport oversized, bulky items that never fit correctly inside the car. This includes bikes, kayaks, surfboards, skis, camping equipment, and other large, awkward-shaped items.  

Even if technically able to fit inside, large cargo takes up valuable interior space and leaves less room for passengers. A roof rack lets you move bulky gear outside, freeing up interior capacity and keeping passengers comfortable. For instance, camping families can pack tents, camp chairs, coolers, and other essentials on the roof rack instead of cramming the interior. 

Roof racks offer versatile options to secure and transport various cargo. The crossbars provide a base for attaching different racks and carriers to meet specific needs. To customize your setup, you can purchase bike racks, cargo baskets, cargo boxes, ski/snowboard carriers, kayak holders, and more. 

You can modify your roof rack setup with multiple accessories depending on the gear you need to haul. Keep a cargo basket installed for extra daily storage, then switch to a bike rack for cycling trips. The versatility enables you to adapt your cargo capacity as needed. 

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Regardless of your accessories, most roof racks allow flexible tie-down configurations to keep cargo secured. Accessories like cargo baskets typically come equipped with adjustable straps, hooks, clamps, and anchors to lock gear into place. You can also use rope, cords, or bungee straps to attach items to the crossbars or accessory racks.  

This range of tie-down options lets you safely secure and stabilize virtually any cargo on your roof rack. If you distribute weight evenly and use proper tie-down techniques, you can transport gear confidently without shifting or loose cargo. 

A common misconception is that roof racks cause drag and reduce fuel efficiency. However, modern roof rack designs are engineered to minimize aerodynamic impact. The sleek, low-profile bars help air flow smoothly over your vehicle. This reduces drag compared to using older roof rack models.   

Additionally, keeping bulky gear secured on the roof instead of in the interior helps lower vehicle weight and drag. The aerodynamic benefits typically outweigh the small impact of rack drag. Transporting items on a roof rack can improve gas mileage compared to overloading the inside and adding more weight. Just be sure to remove empty racks when not in use to maximize aerodynamics. 

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Roof racks make storing and accessing gear convenient and hassle-free. Loading and unloading cargo from a roof rack is much simpler than constantly removing interior items to fit bulky objects inside your vehicle. You can reach and load roof-top cargo without disturbing anything stored inside the car.  

For frequent outdoor adventures or hauling jobs, this saves significant time and headaches. Roof racks keep your gear safely consolidated in one place for quick access whenever needed. You don't have to dig gear from under or behind car seats. 

Keeping dirty or messy cargo secured on your roof rack helps protect and maintain your vehicle's interior. Outdoor equipment like bikes, kayaks, or camping gear often carries mud, snow, sand, and other debris you don't want inside your car. Transporting bulky stuff in the interior also risks scuffing seats or carpets over time. 

A roof rack keeps the interior clean and free of damage from cargo hauled to your adventures or job sites. Any messy or dusty equipment stays outside above the vehicle rather than crammed inside and soiling the cabin space. Your car interior remains neat and clean for passengers. 

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