Roof racks are a helpful innovation when it comes to taking your luggage with you on a long road trip but its effects cannot be ignored. There are several questions about its safety, durability, legality and impact on the pocket – owing to which its ins and outs have been elucidated. Along with this, some of the innovative ways to minimize the effects of a car roof rack are mentioned – for the curious minds!
Reasons Through Which A Roof Rack Affects Your Car
Are you someone who wants to go on a bachelor road trip with your university friends but is worried about safely keeping the luggage? Is your luggage compartment not enough to accommodate everyone’s hand carry? Are you considering setting up a universal roof rack on your car’s roof?
No doubt a roof rack would help in safely taking your luggage with you on your adventure. It would keep every essential with you that might be of use either in the valley or up on the mountain’s cliff!
Before you get it installed on your roof, you must understand the effects it has on your car!
Without further delays, take a look as we spill the beans:
Risk Of Making Your Car Unstable
Stability is important while travelling in a car even for the shortest distances. Even a certain percentage of mismanagement may lead to a fatal accident. Whenever a roof rack is installed, it maximizes the centre of gravity, making the car unstable.
Example:
On u-turns, vehicles require maximum stability which is not the case. With an increase in the centre of gravity owing to a roof rack, the car may go out of balance!
Increase Wind Resistance
Most of the roof racks placed on the cars do not support the idea of aerodynamics. This makes it a factor which resists against winds. The stronger the winds ( at a high speed), the more the resistance. As a result, the vehicle needs to work with more force to make its way through!
Pro Tip: Before buying a roof rack for your car, ensure that it is aerodynamic in shape so that the resistance against wind is at a bare minimum. |
Making Gasoline Engines or Fuel Motors Work More
Are you aware of the fact that fixing a roof rack might make gasoline engines or electric motors work more? Because of it, the wear and tear of vehicles is also increased - leading to frequent repair costs.
In addition, the combined force against wind and pressure of engines lead to more vehicular emissions ( especially in the case of gasoline engines). As a result, roof racks may also indirectly lead to climate change!)
Beyond Normal Fuel Consumption
As engines work more to resist and move the vehicle against winds especially when a roof rack is placed, beyond normal fuel consumption is witnessed. This has a direct impact on the monthly or annual budget spending on fuel.
This effect applies to every type of vehicular engine – electric, hybrid or gasoline. In the case of electric vehicles, the motors have to work more because of the roof rack placed above. This reduces the battery range from the ones claimed by the company. In gasoline engines, fuel simply is consumed more.
Fear of Change In Braking Patterns
Braking patterns have a significant impact on traffic events and overall vehicular consumption. Mostly, drivers with roof racks have to apply extra force on the brake pedal which leads to before-time replacement of brake shoes.
Similarly, drivers with roof racks on their tops apply strong braking. This habit may sometimes risk accidents when they mistakenly apply forceful braking in a car without
Chances of Height Restrictions
Do you know that certain places in the United Kingdom have height restrictions for vehicles? As roof racks raise the height of your vehicle, there are chances that your car might be allowed to pass through a certain road ( it can be an underpass as well).
Interesting Information: You might be fined or may have to pay for the damage done to public property if you pass your car with a roof rack in a restricted area. |
Detrimental Impact on Your Car's Exterior
Roof racks can sometimes de-value your car. Are you wondering how? Well, the bolts fixed on your roof might turn rusty and leak a yellow material that might get into your doors – making them vulnerable to corrosion.
Similarly, the process of loading and off-loading of luggage also risks scratches or even dents on your body – demanding exterior detailing or un-removable marks! This might even make you get a paint job!
Making Your Car Insurance Void
The wrong or uninformed placement of the roof rack on the car’s roof may render the insurance void as it might raise many questions in the case of an accident! The insurer may ask and consider:
Was the roof rack placed in line with manufacturer guidelines?
Was the roof rack placed in a balanced way?
Do you have any proof of the accident owing to other reasons?
Did you inform the insurer before setting up the roof rack?
Innovative Ways To Minimize the Effects of A Car Roof Rack
Take a look as we look to elucidate some of the innovative ways that help take the effects of car roof racks to a bare minimum:
| Get An AeroDynamic Rack Design | Remove Car Roof Rack When Not In Use | Drive Slow In Sharp Turns To Maintain Stability |
| Adhere To Speed Limits With Roof Racks | Check With Height Clearance Limits | Place Luggage Based On Manufacturer Guidelines |
Conclusion
To sum up, it can be said that roof racks not only risk the stability of a vehicle at times but legality of others. As most of the racks are not based on the principles of aerodynamics, the increased resistance against winds causes engines to work more – leading to a rise in vehicular emissions on fuel consumption. In addition, roof racks may also impact braking patterns – risking accidents. To avert such unwanted situations, it is imperative to ensure that you get an aerodynamic roof rack and adhere to legalities when it is installed on your car!
FAQS
- What is the aerodynamic shape of a roof rack?The front might seem pointy and the back is shaped in a way that lets air pass by with minimum resistance against the wind!
- How about putting a ladder on the back to avoid scratches while putting luggage on the roof rack?For sedans or hatchbacks, the luggage compartment is mostly enough. No roof racks are needed and not even ladders – reducing the risks of scratches!
- Does a car roof rack make noise during travelling?Yes, it does. When air passes by or through the roof rack, the particles collide with it – making unusual voices!
About Author : Eagan Taylor
Hey! I'm Eagan Taylor, I'm a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging and thought-provoking content. With a broad range of interests and expertise in various subjects, I can write on multiple topics about local businesses.
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