Essential guide to buying a roof rack

There’s no question that when you need some extra car storage or need to carry some bulkier items like sporting gear, car roof racks can come in super handy.

But for someone who hasn’t used them before, or if your vehicle doesn’t already have an inbuilt roof rack and you are looking to purchase one for the first time, it can be overwhelming.

If you are in the latter situation and are looking to purchase roof racks for your car, Jackie Pedersen, General Manager of Automotive Services at RACV says that for safety and performance, choosing the right option is critical.

“Aftermarket roof racks are designed to fit specific car models, ensuring a secure and stable attachment. It's vital to select a roof rack that is compatible with your car's make and model to guarantee a proper fit and optimal performance,” she says.

This information should be stipulated on the product package and information, asking a professional at the place of purchase is also a good idea if you’re unsure.

Related: Rooftop tent buying guide

As well as choosing an option that fits the make and model of your car, there are also a range of roof racks to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. The team at Supercheap Auto explained each of these below.

Soft racks can be simply strapped directly onto your roof and are quickly installed and removed. They are ideal for the occasional transport of long, light loads such as surfboards but anything heavier could dent your roof.

Roof bars clamp into your door frame, into existing fixing points, or onto existing roof rails. You can carry heavier lengthy loads and not damage or dent your roof. You can also fit accessories to roof bars for securely mounting anything from kayaks to ladders and shovels.

Roof baskets can be attached to a set of roof bars and allow you to carry multiple smaller items on your roof. However, Supercheap Auto says that they aren’t so good for long items. Items will need to be secured inside the basket using tie-downs.

Roof pods also attach to your roof bars and allow you to carry smaller items on your roof. Enclosed in the pod they don’t need to be tied down and they are protected against the weather. Pods are lockable so items are more secure.

Platform racks may attach directly to fixing points in your vehicle roof, or bolt onto a set of roof bars. It is the best of both worlds between roof bars and a basket, allowing you to carry a mix of small and longer items.

Like choosing a roof rack, installing them can also be confusing, Supercheap Auto offers some steps for quick and easy installation.

And it is worth keeping in mind that in Australia, there are laws that dictate the maximum length and width of roof racks, and the length by which a load is allowed to overhang the roof rack. This varies between states and territories, so you’ll need to do a little homework.

Loading capacity laws are also in place. These consider the load limit of your vehicle’s roof, and of the roof rack you choose. It’s a good idea to consult the dealer or your owner’s manual for this information.

When it comes to choosing, installing, and packing car roof racks, there are some common errors the team at Supercheap Auto has observed people make. They have shared the top mistakes with carsales and how to avoid them.

Whether it’s simply forgetting to check, or a belief of “she’ll be right,” overestimating or not considering the load limit of your vehicle’s roof can lead to all sorts of issues including reducing the stability of vehicle handling and potentially voiding or reducing insurance coverage.

Typically, this information can be found in your vehicle’s manual, so ensure you do this before purchase.

Along with weight, being aware of what is already located on, or near the roof where the roof racks will be placed is an element often overlooked, including sunroofs and antennas.

For some vehicles, there will not be the clearance needed to open the sunroof so they will need to remain closed. And even with sunroofs that do open, it is critical to be mindful of the load you are carrying to ensure that these, or the clamps that help tie down the load, do not make contact.

Along with mistakes when choosing a roof rack, there are also common mistakes when it comes to their installation.

This can be embarrassing at the underground car park, anywhere where low clearance signs are displayed, or even encountering low-hanging branches and your taller vehicle doesn’t quite make it through. It can also cause vehicle and load damage and cost you money.

So, ensure you check the total height of your vehicle by considering the load and keep an eye out for the maximum clearance levels at parking garages and underpasses. 

When packing your roof racks, it is advisable to plan.

Consider the order of placement of items packing heaviest to lightest as this helps keep the balance and your items secure. Also make sure anything you need for the drive is inside the car, rather than on the roof.

It is also recommended to take your time when packing because mistakes are often made while in a hurry or critical components can be overlooked.

And when driving with your roof racks loaded take extra precautions and safety measures including reducing speed when turning and allowing extra distance between you and the next vehicles in case you need to brake.