Are roof rails worth it?
When it comes to enhancing your vehicle's functionality and versatility, roof rails are often a popular consideration. But are they truly worth the investment? At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen firsthand how roof rails can benefit drivers. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your vehicle.
What Are Roof Rails?
Roof rails are long bars installed on the roof of a vehicle, running parallel to its length. They are designed to support additional cargo or accessories, such as roof boxes, bike racks, or kayak carriers. Roof rails are often factory-installed on SUVs, crossovers, and some sedans, but they can also be added as an aftermarket accessory.
The Benefits of Roof Rails
Roof rails can be a game-changer for drivers who need extra storage or want to transport specialized equipment. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Increased Cargo Space: Roof rails allow you to carry items that wouldn’t fit inside your vehicle, such as luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear.
- Versatility: They can accommodate a variety of attachments, including roof boxes, bike racks, and ski carriers, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Improved Interior Comfort: By moving bulky items to the roof, you free up space inside the car, ensuring a more comfortable ride for passengers.
- Enhanced Resale Value: Vehicles equipped with roof rails may appeal to buyers looking for added utility, potentially increasing resale value.
Potential Drawbacks of Roof Rails
While roof rails offer many benefits, they may not be the perfect solution for everyone. Consider these potential downsides:
- Increased Wind Resistance: Roof rails can create drag, which may slightly reduce fuel efficiency, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- Added Cost: If your vehicle doesn’t already have roof rails, installing them can be an additional expense.
- Height Restrictions: With items mounted on the roof, your vehicle’s height increases, which could make parking in garages or passing under low-clearance areas more challenging.
- Noise: Some drivers report increased wind noise when roof rails are installed, particularly at higher speeds.
Are Roof Rails Right for You?
Deciding whether roof rails are worth it depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you frequently travel with extra gear, enjoy outdoor activities, or need additional storage space, roof rails can be a valuable addition to your vehicle. However, if you rarely find yourself needing extra cargo capacity, the cost and potential drawbacks may outweigh the benefits.
Final Thoughts
At Kevin's Autos, we believe that roof rails are a practical and versatile upgrade for many drivers. Whether you’re planning a road trip, heading to the mountains, or simply need more space for your belongings, roof rails can make your life easier. If you’re considering adding roof rails to your vehicle, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and installation services. We’re here to help you make the most of your car!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roof rails cause drag?
Roof racks can significantly increase aerodynamic drag due to the additional surface area they create on top of your vehicle. This airflow disruption can lead to more air resistance as you drive, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed.
How much weight can roof rails hold?
Overloading a roof rack can cause serious problems. For this reason, the universal cap for a roof rack is roughly 165 pounds.
Is it better to have a roof rack or a hitch rack?
In general, hitch racks are easier to access, load and unload the bikes, lower center of gravity, less exposure to road debris while driving, and they do not create as much wind resistance as a roof rack, which lowers your MPG compared to a hitch.
How useful are roof rails?
Roof rails are a versatile accessory for modern vehicles, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. They provide extra storage space, protect luggage, and enhance the car's design. However, they may come with trade-offs like increased noise, fuel consumption, and potential structural strain.
How much do roof racks affect gas mileage?
Passenger cars with roof racks can use up to 25% more fuel, while trucks can burn as much as 11.7% additional gas or diesel. The percentages vary according to factors like the roof rack being loaded or unloaded and if the vehicle was driving on urban roads or the highway.
Do roof rails affect gas mileage?
Having those bars hanging out in the airstream increases aerodynamic drag, which increasingly hurts fuel economy the faster the vehicle is traveling.
What are the disadvantages of a roof rack?
Increased aerodynamic drag forces the engine to use more fuel to maintain speed, particularly at motorway speeds. Even when empty, a roof rack can reduce efficiency due to its effect on airflow and increased resistance. With this in mind, it's worth removing the rack when you don't need to use it.
Do I really need a roof rack?
Long-Distance Travel: On road trips or long journeys, a roof rack can help distribute weight more evenly and create additional space for passengers and their belongings. Overall, a roof rack enhances the functionality of a vehicle, making it more adaptable to different lifestyles and activities.
Does a roof rack add value?
Increases Vehicle's Resale Value
Another benefit of a roof rack is that it can add value to your vehicle. If you're planning to sell your car in the future, having a roof rack installed can increase its resale value.
Do you need to tell car insurance about roof rack?
Always inform your insurer before you make any changes to your vehicle. Modifications can impact your insurance if they alter the vehicle's safety, increase the likelihood of an accident or increase the value of the vehicle.
