What you need to know about roof racks

But for someone who hasn’t used them before, or if your car 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.

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.

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