Ever wondered if you could take your kayak, paddleboard, or camping gear on a weekend road trip without cramming it all into the boot? Roof racks make it possible, but they’re far more than just a storage solution. They change the way your car handles, affect fuel efficiency, and can even influence wind noise and stability on long trips. To find out just how much difference they make, we fitted cross bars to our long-term Honda CR-V hybrid and hit the road, testing everything from urban commutes to freeway cruising.
Roof racks are a simple way to make your car more versatile, but installing one without understanding the nuances can have surprising consequences. Here’s everything you need to know before attaching anything to the top of your vehicle.
What You Need to Know Before Fitting a Roof Rack
Roof racks aren’t just about convenience or aesthetics. They’re an accessory that interacts with almost every aspect of your vehicle’s dynamics, from handling to fuel consumption. Before you invest, consider:
- Types of Roof Racks: Cross bars clamp onto roof rails, fixed-point mounts bolt directly onto the roof, and some modern systems even use suction cups for temporary installation. Each design has its advantages and load limitations.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Not every car comes with factory-installed roof rails, and some models, like certain CR-V variants, require purchasing roof rails before cross bars can be mounted.
- Impact on Driving: Adding weight to the roof changes the centre of gravity, which can influence handling, especially around corners, while also slightly reducing fuel efficiency.
- Practical Uses: Roof racks are ideal for bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, camping gear, or any bulky items that won’t fit in the boot.
How Roof Racks Work
Most roof racks attach via clamps to pre-installed roof rails, but modern solutions offer fixed-point or suction-mounted systems for vehicles without rails. Cross bars come in a variety of shapes including square, oval, heavy-duty, and aerodynamic profiles. Brands such as Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima dominate the market, offering a combination of strength, versatility, and reduced drag.
Aerodynamic designs can reduce wind noise and fuel penalties, though no rack completely eliminates either. The type of rack you choose should reflect your typical load and intended use. A weekend paddleboard trip has very different requirements from a rooftop cargo box packed for a family holiday.
Can Any Car Use a Roof Rack?
In short, almost any vehicle can. Hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and even some sports cars have been seen sporting roof racks. That said, SUVs and utes are the most practical options because they have larger roofs, can safely bear more weight, and often come with factory roof rails.
The Honda CR-V is a perfect example. Measuring 4704mm long and 1866mm wide, it provides ample space for cross bars, platform racks, or even full basket-style setups. However, not every CR-V variant comes with roof rails as standard. The VTi X and VTi X7, for instance, require the Touring Pack to add rails, costing approximately $3072 to $3176 depending on the model. The cross bars themselves cost around $690 and can be installed at the dealer for peace of mind.
Weight Limits and Safety Considerations
Roof racks are rated to hold specific maximum loads, usually between 50kg and 100kg including the weight of the rack itself. Our Honda CR-V e:HEV RS model, which features a panoramic glass sunroof, supports up to 75kg. It’s essential to account for both the weight of the gear and the cross bars, as exceeding the roof load can compromise handling and even safety.
Adding weight to the roof raises your car’s centre of gravity, which affects cornering stability and braking performance. While a single paddleboard or bicycle has minimal impact, fully loaded racks can significantly influence how the car feels on twisty roads. Always distribute weight evenly and double-check straps or locking mechanisms before hitting the road.
Effects on Driving and Fuel Economy
A roof rack affects driving performance in subtle but noticeable ways.
- Handling: Weight at the top of the vehicle requires slower cornering and more careful driving to prevent tilting or swaying.
- Aerodynamics: Cross bars increase drag, slightly reducing fuel efficiency. Our Honda CR-V hybrid, for example, went from an average 5.3L/100km before the rack to 5.6L/100km after installation on a mix of urban and freeway driving.
- Wind Noise: Even slim, aero-shaped cross bars introduce some extra noise at higher speeds, particularly above 80km/h.
That said, the effects are far less dramatic than many expect. Short trips with minimal gear may barely register a difference, and for many drivers, the convenience outweighs the small penalties in fuel economy or noise.
Installation and Costs
Installing a roof rack is straightforward if your car has factory rails. For vehicles without rails, fixed-point or suction cup options are available. Pricing varies widely depending on brand and installation method.
For our CR-V, the cross bars cost $690, while adding roof rails via the Touring Pack added roughly $3100. Dealer installation ensures safety, correct torque on bolts, and load compliance. A DIY approach is possible for those confident with tools, but improper installation can lead to rattles, leaks, or even damage to the vehicle.
Recommended Preventive Maintenance
A roof rack is only as safe and effective as the maintenance you give it. Here are some tips to keep your setup in top condition:
- Check clamps, bolts, and screws regularly for tightness.
- Clean the cross bars to remove dirt and debris that could accelerate wear.
- Avoid exceeding the vehicle’s roof load limit, particularly if you have a sunroof or panoramic glass.
- Remove the rack when not in use to maintain fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary wind noise.
Tips for Using Roof Racks Effectively
- Secure gear with high-quality tie-down straps or locks to prevent shifting.
- Use aerodynamically designed cargo boxes for larger loads to minimise drag.
- Always monitor clearance for garages, multi-storey parking, and drive-throughs.
- Distribute weight evenly to maintain stability and prevent swaying while driving.
Summary
Roof racks are a simple way to turn your car into a versatile adventure platform. While they slightly affect fuel economy, handling, and noise, these effects are manageable with careful installation, mindful loading, and proper driving technique. Whether you’re hauling sporting gear for a weekend getaway or bulky luggage for a family trip, a well-installed roof rack increases the practicality and functionality of your car without compromising safety. The result is a rugged, capable vehicle ready for both everyday commuting and off-road adventures.
FAQs
Can I fit a roof rack on a car without roof rails?
Yes, via fixed-point mounts or suction-mounted systems, but check your car’s roof specifications and maximum load rating before installation.
Will a roof rack damage my car?
Not if installed correctly. Follow manufacturer guidelines, ensure weight limits are observed, and inspect fasteners regularly.
How much weight can a roof rack hold?
Most racks support 50–100kg including the weight of the bars themselves. Always verify your car’s specific roof load limit.
Do roof racks reduce fuel efficiency?
Yes, slightly. Aero-designed bars can minimise drag, but some reduction in fuel economy is inevitable depending on load and speed.
Adventure-Ready Vehicles Across the UAE
MotorHub helps car owners in the UAE fit, maintain, and inspect roof racks and accessories, ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for any journey. From city streets in Dubai to desert drives in Abu Dhabi, our certified technicians provide expert installation, regular maintenance, and advice to maximise your vehicle’s load capacity while maintaining performance. Book your service today and travel confidently with MotorHub’s complete car care solutions across the UAE.