How to install a roof rack?

Thanks to the car, it is possible to transport various loads. For example, camping equipment, furniture, a bicycle, or a boat. But the size of the standard luggage compartment does not allow this. Therefore, the roof of the car comes to the rescue. Install racks on it, you can transport larger loads.

Definition of roof rails and their advantages

Railings are a specific structure of an elongated shape, including the following elements: pipes, holders for them, and plugs for holes. Rails are installed on the roof of the car and allow you to transport various cargo that does not fit in a traditional trunk. Thanks to this design, you will not need a trailer, which requires mandatory registration and additional cash costs.

Roof top racks have several advantages, and these are:

• They are inexpensive when compared with the price of a trailer.

• There is the possibility of transporting heavy and bulky cargo.

• Large selection of various car models.

• Additional accessories (lights, antenna, luggage containers) can be installed on the roof rails.

Thus, car-top racks significantly simplify the problem associated with transporting items that do not fit in the luggage compartment of the car.

The principle of selecting roof rails

To successfully select roof racks for your car, you should follow some rules. The main thing is the mounting points, which must correspond to the standard holes on the roof. The structure can also be installed on an adhesive base. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to read the instructions and mounting method.

Also, pay attention to the maximum load for which the racks are designed and the material from which they are made. Slats made of aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, and plastic will be more durable. It will also be useful to know how the roof rails on your car will look: shape and color.

Installation of roof rails

To independently but efficiently install small roof racks, you must follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Preparing the body roof

First, you need to find on the roof the holes provided for attaching the roof racks for cars. Having found the standard holes, you need to move their plugs in that direction, as indicated on the arrows. Then clean the holes from accumulated dust, degrease, and place sealant in the holes, otherwise, water will flow into the interior.

If there are no standard holes, then you need to make them yourself by drilling the roof of the body. It is necessary to remove the interior ceiling trim and drill places that exactly correspond to the installation locations of the slats. But before you start drilling, you need to protect the paintwork adjacent to future holes by gluing masking tape.

Mounting rails

The slats are installed using special fastening or they are installed using glue. Mounting the cheapest roof rack must be done precisely according to the instructions supplied with them. After installing the structure, adjust the required inclination. To do this, it is recommended to loosen the fastening slightly.

Control check

Upon completion of installation, it is necessary to ensure the reliability of the mounted structure. There should be no backlash – when acting on the slats, they should not move in one direction or another.

Recommendations for using slats

To extend the life of the installed structure, several rules should be followed:

• you need to leave with the cargo no earlier than one day after the structure is installed;

• distribute the load evenly;

• do not load the slats with more than the permissible weight according to the instructions;

• always check fastenings before use

By following the basic rules, the roof rails will last a long time and will not fail sooner. In addition, secure fastening will ensure successful transportation. Buy only high-quality products – the quality and safety of cargo transportation will depend on this.