How will a roof rack affect your car?
Simply put… a roof rack significantly affects your car!
A roof rack on top of your vehicle:
🚩 Impacts performance and handling
🚩 Adds extra weight
🚩 Reduces fuel efficiency
🚩 Alters driving dynamics
🚩 Increases wind resistance
🚩 Causes noise and drag
But saying all that, it does give you extra storage space and makes your car more versatile for carrying large sports gear and other significant items.
Join us as we examine what a roof rack does to your car.
- Why use a roof rack
- The effect of roof racks on fuel consumption
- Vehicle handling and dynamics with a roof rack
- Wind noise
- The implications of increased vehicle height
- Potential for vehicle damage
- Legal considerations with having a roof rack
- FAQs
Why use a roof rack
A roof rack offers a practical solution for transporting bulky or oversized items that won’t fit inside your car. It’s ideal for carrying:
🏏 Sports equipment
🧳 Luggage
🧗 Outdoor gear
Roof racks are versatile and adjustable, making them suitable for various activities. They also improve accessibility for loading and unloading, enhancing overall convenience for travel and adventures.
Why it’s essential to know the effects of a roof rack on your vehicle
Understanding the impact of a roof rack on your car is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Roof racks add extra weight and wind resistance, which can impact fuel efficiency and handling.
Recognising these changes helps you prepare for driving behaviour and vehicle maintenance adjustments. Knowing the potential drawbacks, you can better manage your vehicle’s performance and ensure a smoother driving experience.
The effect of roof racks on fuel consumption
Understanding how roof racks increase drag
Roof racks can significantly increase aerodynamic drag due to the additional surface area they create on top of your vehicle. This airflow disruption can lead to more air resistance as you drive, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed.
As a result, you’ll burn through more fuel, especially at higher speeds. Or if you have an electric vehicle, the motor will use up more battery power.
The increased drag can also increase noise levels, affecting your driving comfort.
Estimated impact on fuel efficiency
As mentioned, a roof rack can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The decrease is around 5-15%. The exact impact varies depending on:
- Rack design
- Load weight
- Driving speed
Increased aerodynamic drag forces the engine to use more fuel to maintain speed, particularly at motorway speeds. Even when empty, a roof rack can reduce efficiency due to its effect on airflow and increased resistance.
With this in mind, it’s worth removing the rack when you don’t need to use it.
Vehicle handling and dynamics with a roof rack
Effect on vehicle’s centre of gravity and stability
A roof rack raises your vehicle’s centre of gravity. This shift can compromise stability, making the car more susceptible to tipping or rolling over, particularly when making sharp turns or sudden manoeuvres.
The higher centre of gravity can also reduce overall handling precision and increase the risk of losing control if the vehicle encounters uneven surfaces or sudden changes in direction.
Implications for manoeuvrability and braking distance
The additional weight of a roof rack, particularly when loaded, can impact your vehicle’s manoeuvrability. The increased weight makes the car less agile and responsive, affecting its ability to navigate tight corners and sudden changes in direction.
This decreased manoeuvrability can be particularly noticeable in urban driving or on winding roads.
Wind noise
What increases wind noise
Roof racks can significantly increase wind noise due to their impact on airflow around your vehicle. The added surface area disrupts the smooth flow of air, creating turbulence and drag.
This turbulence generates a high-pitched whistle or humming sound, which becomes more noticeable at higher speeds. The design and placement of the roof rack, along with any accessories mounted on it, can further exacerbate the noise.
How to reduce noise levels
To lessen the wind noise created by a roof rack, consider the following solutions:
👏 Aerodynamic designs: Opt for roof racks with aerodynamic features to minimise air resistance and turbulence.
👏 Streamlined accessories: Use low-profile accessories that reduce drag and integrate smoothly with the rack.
👏 Noise reduction pads: Install noise reduction pads or strips on the roof rack to help absorb and deflect wind noise.
👏 Remove when not in use: Removal of the roof rack when not needed helps prevent unnecessary noise and improve overall driving comfort.
The implications of increased vehicle height
Places with height restrictions
Roof racks increase your vehicle’s height, which can cause clearance issues in car parks, garages, and under low bridges. Many parking structures and garages have height limits that may be exceeded with a roof rack, leading to potential damage or the need to find alternative parking.
Additionally, low bridges and overhangs may not accommodate the increased height, posing a risk of collisions and requiring careful navigation.
Navigation tips for vehicles with heightened clearance due to roof racks
To navigate safely with a roof rack:
📏 Know your vehicle’s height: Measure your vehicle’s total height with the roof rack installed and keep this information readily available.
🅿️ Check parking and clearance limits: Research and verify height restrictions for parking facilities and routes in advance to avoid potential obstacles.
🗺️ Plan your route: Use navigation apps or maps that provide information on clearance heights and avoid low bridges or tunnels.
⚠️ Exercise caution: Drive slowly and cautiously in areas with potential height restrictions, and always be aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents.
Potential for vehicle damage
The areas at risk
Roof racks can pose a risk to several parts of your vehicle.
Paintwork: May suffer scratches or chips from loading and unloading items, especially if the rack isn’t securely attached.
Roof: Can be affected by corrosion or wear due to prolonged exposure.
Doors: The frames to doors might get scratched or dented when loading or unloading cargo, leading to potential damage and costly repairs.
How to protect your car from damage by your roof rack
To protect your vehicle from potential damage:
👍 Use protective padding: Apply padding or protective film to areas prone to scratches, such as the roof and door frames.
👍 Check and adjust the rack regularly: Ensure the roof rack is securely mounted and free from sharp edges that could scratch the paintwork.
👍 Load and unload carefully: Use a step ladder or stool to avoid leaning against or scraping the vehicle while handling items on the rack.
👍 Regular cleaning and maintenance: Clean the roof and surrounding areas regularly to remove debris and check for any signs of wear or damage.
Legal considerations with having a roof rack
Weight limits and legal requirements for transporting goods on roof racks in the UK
For driving on UK roads, Roof racks have specific weight limits set by both the manufacturer and legal regulations. As specified in the owner’s manual, the maximum load must not exceed the rack’s rated capacity or the vehicle’s roof load limit.
Overloading can affect vehicle stability and safety. It’s also crucial to secure loads properly and ensure they comply with road safety laws to avoid fines or penalties.
The potential impact on insurance
Adding a roof rack and transporting goods can affect your car insurance. Insurers may scrutinise whether the load was correctly secured and within legal limits if an accident occurs involving the roof rack.
To avoid potential coverage disputes, inform your insurer about the roof rack and any modifications. Failure to comply with weight limits or secure loads properly might result in denied claims or increased premiums.
Routine checks and maintenance tips to ensure longevity
To keep your roof rack in good condition:
- Regular inspections: Check the rack’s mounting points and connections for wear and tightness. Look for rust or corrosion, especially after driving in adverse weather conditions.
- Clean thoroughly: Remove any debris or dirt that can cause damage over time. Regularly clean the rack and roof area to prevent build-up and rust.
- Check load capacity: Verify the load capacity now and then to ensure it remains within safe limits and adjust if necessary.
- Secure loads correctly: Always use appropriate straps and tie-downs to prevent shifting or damage to the rack and vehicle.
FAQs
Do I need to tell my insurance about a roof rack?
Yes, you should inform your insurer about a roof rack. It’s considered a modification, and not disclosing it may affect coverage or claims if an incident occurs. Keeping your insurer updated ensures that you remain adequately covered.
Do roof bars count as a modification?
Yes, roof bars are considered a modification. They alter the vehicle’s standard configuration, potentially impacting insurance and vehicle performance. Always check with your insurer and ensure any modifications comply with legal and safety requirements.
Is it time to sell your car?
Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.