Why should a roof rack be removed when not in use?
Removing a roof rack when it isn’t needed offers tangible benefits: it can improve fuel efficiency, reduce wind noise, and cut the risk of damage or theft. The process is typically straightforward and reversible, making it a practical habit for many drivers.
Key reasons to remove a roof rack when it’s not needed
Understanding the practical impacts helps explain why many drivers choose to take racks off between trips. The following points cover the main considerations.
- Fuel efficiency and aerodynamics: A roof rack disrupts the smooth flow of air over the vehicle, increasing drag and potentially lowering miles per gallon, especially at highway speeds.
- Noise and cabin comfort: Crossbars and accessories can create wind noise or a whistling sound that becomes noticeable on longer drives.
- Risk of damage to vehicle and rack: At high speeds or in windy conditions, the rack or its mounting hardware can shift, abrade the paint, or wear fasteners, increasing the chance of damage over time.
- Security and theft risk: A rack and its attachments can be targeted by thieves, and leaving gear exposed on the rack can invite unwanted attention.
- Height, clearance, and safety in parking or low clearances: A roof rack adds height to the vehicle, raising the risk of hitting low bridges, garage doors, or car washes, and can affect maneuverability in tight spaces.
In practice, these factors combine to make removing unneeded racks a prudent choice for everyday driving, long trips in urban areas, or when weather conditions favor a simpler, more streamlined ride.
How to safely remove and store a roof rack
The following steps offer a practical approach for most roof rack systems. Always consult your vehicle and rack manufacturer manuals for model-specific instructions or cautions before starting.
- Check your manual to confirm the correct removal method and gather any required tools or keys.
- Clear the area around the vehicle and remove any gear stored on the rack to prevent shifting or damage during removal.
- Unlock and loosen clamps or fasteners, then carefully lift the crossbars or rails away from the roof. Have a second person assist if the rack is bulky or heavy to avoid scratching the finish.
- Detach mounting hardware from the roof rails or brackets and store hardware in a labeled container to prevent loss.
- Inspect the roof surface for scratches or dents and clean the area to remove dirt or debris; dry thoroughly.
- Store the rack in a protective bag or box in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Reinstall when you plan to use it again.
Following these steps helps preserve the rack and vehicle, reduces the risk of damage or loss, and makes future reassembly faster and easier.
Summary
For many drivers, removing a roof rack when it isn’t needed is a smart, low-effort action. It can measurably improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise, lower the chance of damage or theft, and prevent clearance problems. If you do keep a rack, regular maintenance and careful storage between uses will help maximize its lifespan and ease of reinstallation.
Should I remove the roof rack?
Unrelated to theft/miscreants, if you live in an area where roads are sprayed or especially salted in the winter, you might consider removing the racks if you don't plan to ride for an extended period to avoid rust buildup. Otherwise, you should be okay.
Can I leave a roof rack on all the time?
You should remove your roof box and roof bars when they are not being used. Leaving them on will seriously affect fuel consumption - my measurements suggest about 10--20%. It will also cause more wind noise.
When a roof rack is not in use, it should be removed. Why is this?
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.
Why should you remove a roof box when not using it?
Why should you not drive a car with an empty roof box? An empty roof box does not weigh much, but its height, shape and placement increases air resistance so much that fuel consumption increases by approximately 10%. Always remove roof racks and roof boxes when not in use.
