a Guide TO Roof Bars IN 2025

Roof bars are the perfect solution for increasing your vehicles carrying capacity. Whether you’re planning a road trip, transporting sports equipment or need extra space for work gear, our guide covers everything you need to know to choose, install and use roof bars safely and effectively.

Key Benefits:

  • Increases load-carrying capacity of your vehicle
  • Ideal for use with roof boxes, bike carriers and roof racks
  • Great for transporting ladders, tools, materials, surfboards
  • Available to fit most cars, estates, MPVs, 4x4s, pickup trucks
  • Quick to install and remove
  • Ideal for occasional or regular use
  • Lockable options for added security

Understand Your Vehicle’s Roof Load Limit

Before buying roof bars, always check your vehicle’s maximum roof load capacity (found in your owner’s manual). Load capacity typically ranges between 50kg and 100kg, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Tip 1: When calculating the load for your vehicle, don’t forget to include the weight of the roof bars plus any cargo you carry on top.

Tip 2: The vehicle’s roof load limit may be lower than the maximum weight the roof bars can support — always adhere to your vehicle’s guidelines for safe use.

How to Choose the Right Roof Bars for Your Vehicle

Picking the correct roof bars depends on your vehicle’s roof type. It’s important to identify what kind of roof you have. The four main roof types are:

  1. Raised Roof Rails: Rails with a visible gap between the rail and the roof.
  2. Flush (Integrated) Roof Rails: Rails that sit flush against the vehicle’s roof surface.
  3. Fixed Points: Mounting points hidden under covers for direct attachment.
  4. Gutterless: Vehicles without rails or fixed points.

Steel vs Aluminium Roof Bars

The material roof bars are made of can affect performance, weight and noise levels. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Aluminium
    Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and more aerodynamic. This makes aluminium roof bars ideal for reducing wind noise, improving fuel efficiency and supporting lighter loads such as roof boxes and bike carriers.
  • Steel
    Steel bars are heavier and stronger, making them better suited for carrying heavy or bulky items like ladders and large loads. They are typically used when maximum strength is required but can create more wind noise and slightly decrease fuel efficiency compared to aluminium.

Roof Bar Installation TIPS

  1. Read the fitting instructions carefully before starting.
  2. Clean the roof rails or contact points to prevent damage.
  3. Get help to avoid dropping and damaging the bars or vehicle.
  4. Once installed, test the bars to make sure they are secure.
  5. With lockable bars, keep your keys safe; they are unique and cannot be replaced.

Driving with Roof Bars

Roof bars impact your vehicle’s handling and height clearance. Follow these driving tips:

  • Observe recommended speed limits when carrying loads.
  • Watch for height restrictions in car parks, garages and underpasses.
  • Be aware of changed handling dynamics due to a higher centre of gravity.
  • Drive carefully in windy conditions—roof bars can increase side wind sensitivity.
  • Secure any extended loads (like ladders or kayaks) with extra tie-downs at front and rear.
  • Check rear door clearance on hatchbacks when carrying long items.
  • Always remove roof bars before automatic car washes to prevent damage.

Maintaining Your Roof Bars for Long-Term Use

  • For longer-term use, apply a light grease to bolts to prevent corrosion.
  • Inspect fixings regularly to ensure everything remains tight and secure.
  • Check for signs of wear, corrosion or loosening before each trip.

SECURING LOADS to Roof Bars

When attaching accessories, always consult both your roof bar and accessory manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility. Below are the most common and reliable methods for securing loads.

  • T-Track
    Aluminium roof bars often feature an integrated T-track slot, an inverted T-shaped channel running along the length of the bar. This system allows compatible accessories with T-bolts to slide into the track and lock securely in place.
  • Clamps
    U-bolt brackets or clamps wrap around the roof bars and are tightened with bolts or quick-release levers. This universal mounting method works with various bar profiles and is quick to install and remove.
  • Straps or Rope
    For lightweight or temporary cargo you can use straps, ropes or ratchet tie-downs to secure items around or through the roof bars. This method is simple and flexible, requiring no special mounting brackets.

Additional Accessories

  • Load Stops: Adjustable or fixed barriers mounted along the roof bars to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement of your load. These are perfect for transporting long or irregularly shaped items like ladders or surfboards.
  • Ladder Clamps: Designed to securely fasten ladders to roof bars, these accessories prevent shifting during transit, ensuring safe transport of long items.
  • Tube or Pipe Carriers: Lockable, weatherproof containers that mount to roof bars. They’re ideal for safely transporting long items like pipes, conduit or trunking—perfect for plumbers and electricians.

Need expert advice ?

Contact our support team for help choosing and fitting the perfect roof bars for your vehicle.

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