Excited for Your Summer Road Trip? Optimize Your Vehicle’s Storage Space!
Having a roof bar on your vehicle can be immensely advantageous, offering expanded cargo capacity. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that it requires certain adjustments to your driving habits to prioritize safety—for yourself, your family, and fellow road users.
Explore our valuable insights on driving with a roof bar to ensure a safe and secure journey.
Measure Your Vehicle’s Height
Prioritize safety by being aware of your vehicle’s height with the roof bar attached. Vigilantly observe the dimensions of low-clearance obstacles such as bridges, overpasses, or parking garages to avoid potential damage to your roof bar and vehicle.
Stay vigilant for low-hanging branches, tight spaces, and narrow passages that could potentially harm your roof bar.
Properly Install the Roof Bar
Please heed the instruction manual carefully. Ensure that the roof bar is securely fastened to grip the bars on your vehicle, but be cautious not to overtighten it, as this could cause significant damage to the roof. When installing the roof bar, take care not to scratch the paint job. It is highly recommended to have a helper present during the process.
Properly Secure Your Luggage
Failure to load your luggage correctly can lead to issues while driving. It is crucial to pack the luggage tightly to prevent any shifting during the journey. Shifting cargo can result in the cargo bar becoming loose or the top coming off altogether. To avoid such situations, utilize bungee cords or straps to securely fasten your items to the bar, ensuring everything is tightly secured. Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to give your roof bar a thorough shake to verify that everything is firmly in place.
Prioritize safety when loading your roof bar. Avoid lifting items that are too heavy for you to handle safely. To make the loading process easier, use a ladder that is taller than your vehicle, or consider purchasing an accessory designed to attach to your car’s exterior, allowing you to climb up and load the roof bar with ease. Always seek assistance when packing and unpacking the cargo bar to ensure a safe and smooth process.
Ensure that you do not exceed the weight rating of your cargo bar, as doing so could lead to your roof sinking or bending, potentially causing permanent damage.
Pay Attention to Your Speed
For optimal safety, we advise driving at least 5 miles per hour below the posted speed limit on highways when using a roof bar, as it increases wind resistance. Always refer to the manual to determine if there are specific speed limitations for your roof bar model. Additionally, avoid making sudden lane changes or sharp turns, as these actions can heighten the risk of your luggage shifting or the roof bar becoming unstable. By adhering to these precautions, you can ensure a secure and stable journey.
Extend Your Following Distance
When you add weight to your vehicle, it significantly impacts your stopping and accelerating abilities. To ensure safety, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Instead of the usual two-second following distance, maintain a four-second gap. This extended space allows you ample time to respond to sudden stops or turns, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall safety on the road.
Adapt to Windy Conditions when Driving
Driving in high winds can be challenging, especially with a roof bar. Wind gusts can exacerbate the situation, making it even more difficult to maintain control. In such conditions, it’s crucial to reduce your speed and keep both hands on the steering wheel to ensure proper control of your vehicle. If the wind becomes too strong to handle safely, it’s advisable to consider pulling over and waiting until the conditions improve before continuing your journey. Prioritizing safety in windy conditions is essential to avoid potential hazards on the road.
Use a Roof Bar Wind Deflector
By installing a roof bar wind deflector, you can greatly diminish wind resistance and enhance your car’s stability during drives. This compact device attaches to the front of your roof bar, redirecting wind away from it. The benefits are twofold: not only does it increase fuel efficiency, but it also reduces noise while on the road. Embracing a roof bar wind deflector is a smart choice to improve your overall driving experience, making your journeys more efficient and peaceful.
Even with the wind deflector, prioritize safety while driving with a cargo bar by following all precautions. Remember, the wind deflector’s purpose is solely to reduce wind resistance.
Check Your Roof Bar Often
Before installing your roof bar on top of your vehicle, thoroughly inspect it for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Ensure all bolts and screws are tightly fastened, securing the bar properly to your vehicle. Additionally, carefully examine the straps or bungee cords used to secure your luggage to confirm they are in good condition without any fraying or damage.
During rest stops, meal breaks, or bathroom breaks, take a moment to inspect your roof bar to ensure it remains stable and intact. If you notice any sudden changes in your car’s aerodynamics while driving, pull over and check the roof bar to ensure everything is secure and in good condition.
Pack and Unpack with a Buddy!
To ensure safety when packing and unpacking items on a roof bar, always have a buddy to assist you. When using a ladder, never go higher than two steps from the top, and have someone on the ground to hand you one object at a time.
To maintain stability, raise and lower items slowly while always keeping one hand on the ladder or vehicle. Load or unload one item at a time, and having a buddy can help prevent muscle strain and reduce the risk of injuries.
Enhance Your Road Trips with Thompson Sales
Your safety during family travels is our priority as you cherish quality time with your loved ones. Please visit Enowl.com or Contact Us. We will be happy to provide professional advice on selecting the right roof bar for your car. We’re delighted to assist you in any way possible!