How Should a Load be Carried on Your Roof Rack?
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How Should a Load be Carried on Your Roof Rack?
Any load on your roof rack should be fastened securely with a suitable restraint and placed in a secured roof box. This will keep the items safe and dry throughout your drive. In addition, a secure roof box has less wind resistance than exposed items, meaning better fuel economy and shorter journey times.
Tips on carrying a load on your roof rack
- Weight your items first, then check your vehicle’s handbook for the maximum permitted roof weight before setting off on your journey. Do not exceed the value set out in this document.
- Securing a box to your roof rack is safer than tying the items down with a rope or plastic sheet.
- Use secure fixings on the front and rear ends of your roof. Failure to do so could cause the items on your roof to slide forwards or backwards as you slow down and speed up.
- Don’t forget to increase the pressure in your tyres above the normal value when carrying a heavy load on your roof. Failure to do so could damage your vehicle’s rims. You’ll also use more fuel driving with a heavy load and under-inflated tyres.
FAQs
No, the load doesn’t need to be visible in your exterior mirror. As long as the items are fastened securely and you haven’t exceeded the maximum load for your vehicle, you can start your journey.
Ideally, any load on your roof rack would be placed within a roof box before securing your vehicle. Covering the item with a plastic sheet could be dangerous as they can be blown off during windy conditions. If this happens, it could endanger other nearby road users.