As a general rule, although most of us get away with it 95% of the time, we don't read instructions. If you're adding a roof rack to your vehicle, reading all of the instructions thoroughly is critical. They will allow you to complete the task faster, more easily, and safer in the long run if you follow them carefully.
When you're dealing with something as important as your roof, it's even more critical that you make sure to read the instructions. This is because there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you're working on your roof, and you don't want to make any mistakes that could end up costing you a lot of money or even putting your safety at risk.
So, before you start working on your roof, be sure to take the time to read all of the instructions carefully. This will help you get the job done right and avoid any potential problems.
Make sure the settings for torque are correct (if mentioned). A properly installed and used roof rack will provide years of trouble-free service while protecting your automobile. An over-torqued, under-torqued, improperly installed or overloaded roof rack can cause damage to your vehicle. If you're having difficulties installing a roof rack, check out the instructions or ask a professional for help.
If you leave your roof rack on your vehicle, the fittings will be exposed to the elements, and they will corrode over time. A little of copper grease around the bolt threads can assist prevent corrosion and make removing them in the future much simpler.
The maximum weight that can be carried on the roof is specified in your automobile's owner's handbook. We frequently find that the car has a lower weight limit than the roof bars, so it's critical to check and never exceed whichever is the lesser of the two.
Additionally, be sure to evenly distribute the weight across both bars. An unbalanced load can cause damage to your vehicle and make the rack more likely to come loose.
It's difficult to load a roof rack with big, bulky objects. When you're struggling and straining things tend to break, so rather of scratching your beautiful paintwork with that 12-foot canoe you're attempting to carry on your own, get someone to help you instead.
You'd be surprised at the number of calls we get from customers who have driven their vehicle into a multi-storey car park (or their own garage), forgotten they had the roof rack and roof box or bike racks installed, and ripped off the whole lot! It's more of an issue on taller MPVs and 4x4s, but be sure to check the height of your vehicle with the roof rack installed before driving into any low-ceilings areas.
At MicksGarage, we only sell roof racks with security locks - make sure you use them at all times, especially if you're transporting bikes or kayaks that may be worth thousands of dollars. It's also a good idea to keep your roof rack key fob on your car key ring. Every year, we receive hundreds of phone calls from customers who have lost their roof rack keys and can't remove the racks from their vehicle.
Canoes, kayaks, and surfboards must be secured to the vehicle's front and rear bumpers rather than just the roof rack. If your car has a tow bar, you may use it. When travelling at high speeds, these items can create enormous amounts of aerodynamic lift and rip any sort of roof rack off your vehicle if they aren't secured correctly, so be sure to do it right.
These are just a few roof rack safety tips to keep in mind - for more detailed instructions, always refer to your roof rack's manual.
Roof boxes, for example, come with a maximum speed warning, which should not be surpassed. With each mile per hour that you go faster than the rated speed, aerodynamic drag increases. Exceeding the rated speed might put too much force on the accessory or roof rack. If you must drive faster than the maximum speed, it is best to remove the accessory or roof rack before doing so.
Obey all local traffic laws. In some states, it is illegal to have anything attached to your car that protrudes more than a certain distance from the edge of the vehicle. This law is in place to prevent items from becoming detached and hitting another car or pedestrian.
Despite the fact that lightweight materials and aerodynamic forms are used, a roof rack still adds some weight and aerodynamic drag to your automobile. Although it is only a little amount, it will have an impact on your fuel efficiency. So if you're not using it, take it off!
Finally, if you're planning on going on a safari or driving through the bush, be sure to remove any extraneous items from your roof rack. A loose item could come flying off and cause serious damage - or even kill someone.
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