Top 6 Do’s and Don’ts When Traveling with A Roof Rack
Roof racks come in handy when you need to go hiking or road tripping but haven’t enough space for all the essentials. Locating suitable roof racks is an imperative that should never miss your attention.
Ticking this requirement off gives you the go-ahead to learn all others that will make your trip safe and comfortable. Once you find your go-to roof rack, there are things to embrace and avoid for the convenience factor to prevail.
Study each roof rack you purchase and learn how the manufacturer intends you to use it. Here are do’s and don’ts when traveling with a roof rack.
Do’s;
Disassemble When Not In Use
As much as it may seem like so much unnecessary work, it saves you money and time in the long run. Dismantling the roof rack as soon as you arrive at your destination is beneficial in many ways.
One of them is that it prevents the roof rack from possible damages due to long service hours. Removal also ensures safe storage, which assures you of longevity in the coming days.
However, only remove the roof rack immediately when you’re not planning a return trip very soon. Weigh the options first to know what your next cause of action should be.
Disassembling mostly applies when your roof rack is heavyweight. This might cause irreparable damage to your tires and also affect the fuel consumption levels. A land rover roof rack is more susceptible to such and must be handled accordingly to increase efficiency.
Keep It Lubricated
Exposure to all kinds of weather from time to time results in faster wear and tear. Eventually, this renders your roof rack useless sooner than you thought possible. Rust is one of the many destructive forces that descend on your roof racks when it smells neglect.
Lubricating can also mean applying grease, especially on the bolts and other movable parts. Since you’ll need to mount and dismount the roof rack now and then, you’ll need an easier way to go about it.
Greasing simplifies the removal procedure and leaves every part of the roof rack intact. However, this applies only when you travel regularly, and the roof rack is exposed times without number.
Overindulging may only lead to unforeseen wreckage or other adverse effects.
Check Thoroughly Before Travel
You are checking means being armed with all the vital tools to fix the roof rack securely. Carry out the roof rack fixing process diligently and meticulously to ensure you don’t miss a crucial step.
When carrying heavyweight luggage, seek professional help as accidents happen when the whole procedure is taken lightly. Getting all the help assures you of proper balance, especially on the wheels.
Conducting a thorough check applies for both long and short-distance travels. Anchors come in handy when carrying all sorts of luggage, including bulky ones. They enable the luggage to stay put and prevent damage to the vehicle and injuries on passersby if the luggage falls.
Don’ts
Steer Clear Of Overloading
Regardless of how durable your tires and vehicle are, overloading is a hazard. Only mount items that won’t signal overloading signals when you’re in the process of mounting your articles.
Worse still, overloading leads to early destruction of the roof racks and other items necessary for your trip. There are telltale signs of overloading that should prevent you from making a grave mistake.
One of them is when your manual correctly states the ideal weight, but somehow, it feels heavier. Adhering to this rule guarantees a smooth and safe journey to and from your destination.
Besides, overloading is a misuse of the roof rack and might be inefficient during its early stages of services.
Over speeding
This has been a rule of thumb since the inception and invention of vehicles. Over speeding is hazardous for both loaded and unloaded vehicles. When roof racks are involved, proceeding with caution is paramount.
Over speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents on the roads. It only gets worse when the vehicle in question is carrying loads that are beyond its capacity. More lives are on the verge of being lost or wrecked in one way or another.
The vehicle may fail to withstand the damages that come its way, courtesy of going at full speed and carrying heavy loads simultaneously. The roof racks you use may not be built to handle a highly speeding vehicle and may react invariably.
Use Heavyweight Roof Racks
Using a heavier roof rack is detrimental because it’s prone to cause untold damages on your four-wheel drive. Lighter ones are advisable since they are easier to fix and durable when regular care and maintenance are enforced.
Another con of using heavyweight roof racks is that they are time-consuming for assembling and disassembling. Lighter ones are easier to manage, especially when you follow the no overloading rule.
Conclusion
When buying roof racks for your travels, consider all the factors listed above as they help keep you safe from general harm. What’s more, they assure you of a less difficult journey when you have to go on one.
Roof racks are easier to use and more effective when you follow all the instructions in the manual.
