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With a plethora of different roof rack models on the market, a first-time buyer is likely to have a hard time deciding on a particular design or brand. And the questions “which roof racks fit my car?” and “Do roof racks fit all cars?” make it even more difficult to make a solid decision. However, with a little help, you can easily figure out what you need. Here is a breakdown of the parts that make a roof rack work to better understand the functions of each component:
The Bracket – This part is what attaches to the vehicle and is typically built specifically for your car’s make and model.
The tower – this is the part that connects the mount to the crossbars.
Crossbars – As the name implies, these are the bars that run across both ends of the brackets.
Accessories: Additional shelf accessories come in a wide variety to handle different items.
Now that you’ve got a little familiarity with the basic parts, here are some tips that will give you more information on the best way to mount a roof rack to your vehicle.
Using Raised Rails – Cars can sometimes come with two types of mounting points. One is the factory track and the other is the raised rail. By far the least complicated system to use is the elevated rail. You can find specific racks that can be attached to the rails without the need for additional components. Some brands have a number of models for raised rails that are quite easy to install.
Factory Tracks – Some cars come with tracks that are used to secure the towers in place. However, you need to find a certain brand that will give you the best fit and grip.
Fixed mounting points – No rails or tracks? No problem! You still have a number of options to choose from. Some car manufacturers have fixed mounting points that are hidden behind rubber or plastic covers on the roof.
Bare Roof Mounts – If you own a car that doesn’t have any fixed rails, rails, or mounting points, you can still mount roof racks to your roof. One option is to use clip systems that hook onto the legs of car doors. Another, more permanent solution is to drill holes as factory drilled mounting points.
As you may have already noticed, you will never run out of options, whatever you want to carry on the roof of your car. There will always be an attachment from a certain brand that will be compatible with your car. If you don’t have time or simply don’t have access to any outlets, you can buy a universal roof rack. Universal models don’t always look the best or fit the best, but in some cases they will work. Even if your car is not the latest model, there will always be a product that will fit. It’s just a matter of research and availability. However, it is best to fully educate yourself before purchasing one. You want to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Some kits offer convenience and come with various accessories that make it easy to mount the roof rack to the roof of the car.