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25 April 2025 (updated) What Roof Bars Fit my Car: Types, Consumption and Fitting
To determine which roof racks fit your car, you'll need to know your vehicle's make, model, year, and roof type (bare roof, raised rails, flush rails, or fixed points). Some products clamp onto the door frame, while others attach to existing mounting points designed by the carmaker.
You also need to think about what you want to transport – bikes, cargo boxes with heavy luggage, or kayak carriers. Check the weight limits of the rack and the vehicle, as well as the installation requirements to stay on the safe side.
What different roof bar options are there?
The most common ones are steel and aluminium car roof bars. These durable materials are able to withstand high loads, strong winds, and harsh driving conditions. Some vehicle models have factory-fitted bars, in which case, you'll need to know the exact type of design to determine which roof racks are compatible. Each design requires different installation methods.
Types of roof rails
Open rail
Open rails are easy to spot as they consist of raised metal bars with a gap between the rail and the roof. Roof crossbars can be mounted to open rails without a separate fitting kit. This simplifies the installation process, making it achievable for those with less DIY experience.
Closed rail
Another common type is the closed rail, which is essentially the same but without the gap between the rail and the car roof. It is designed to maintain the sleek exterior aesthetics while providing mounting points for roof boxes and racks, and so on. Closed rails offer better aerodynamics than open ones, offering less wind resistance. This means lower noise levels and greater fuel efficiency.
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Plain roof
A plain roof has no factory-fitted roof rails or mounting points. When fitting roof bars on a plain roof, it's crucial to select products that are specifically compatible with flat roofs. Check your vehicle manual
Fixed point
Fixed mounting points are specific spots on a vehicle’s roof where roof bars can be securely attached. They are usually hidden under small covers or flaps and are part of the car’s original design. They offer extra security when installing roof boxes, bike racks, ski racks, etc. A roof bar system can be screwed into these secure fixing points, avoiding contact with sensitive areas like a sunroof.
Guttered
On older car models, you may find built-in rain gutters running along the edges of the roof, just above the doors and windows. You can get universal roof accessories that clamp directly onto the gutters with minimal effort or no additional roof bar fittings needed. However, they can produce irritating noises and are usually noisier than pre-installed closed rail applications.
Which roof bars fit my car?
To find compatible roof bars for your car, check your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Consult the car owner's manual or manufacturer’s website. Use brand fit guidelines online or ask an auto parts retailer. Ensure the bars match the type of roof (e.g., rails, fixed points, or bare roof).
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Check the weight limits
Before selecting a product, you should check the weight capacity of both the bars and the car roof itself. Most bars have weight limits ranging from 60 kg to 80 kg, depending on the rack and brand. Exceeding the weight limits can harm your car’s roof structure, affect handling, or cause the bars to fail while driving.
Consider the aerodynamics
The main downside of roof accessories is that they can be very loud when travelling at high speeds due to the extra wind resistance, causing excessive whistling noises. Aerodynamic roof bars help to reduce noise levels and minimise drag by keeping the roof streamlined. This in turn helps keep fuel consumption low.
Fuel economy
Unfortunately, any roof accessory that is installed will cause a slight or significant decrease in fuel efficiency, especially car roof racks. This is due to the increased surface area of the roof and any bulky items that are transported, increasing the drag. Using aerodynamic products and removing accessories when they're not in use will help with this.
What's included in a set of roof bars?
A set of roof bars typically includes two cross bars, mounting feet or clamps, and fittings specific to your car model. The kit may also contain rubber pads or covers to protect your car’s roof, locking mechanisms for security, and installation tools like Allen keys. Most sets also include instructions or diagrams. Don't forget to make sure that the parts are compatible with your vehicle and load capacity before installation.
Can I leave roof bars on my car?
Yes, you can leave detachable roof bars on your car, BUT there are some things to consider. While they can provide additional storage space, they can also increase the wind resistance and fuel consumption. Leaving them on for too long may also result in a dirty roof, as dirt and debris can build up around the fasteners and mounting points.
What is the difference between roof rails and roof racks?
Roof rails are permanent bars running along the sides of your car’s roof. They allow you to attach roof racks or accessories. Roof racks are removable bars that sit on top of the roof rails (or directly on the roof if there are no rails) and are used to carry things like luggage or bikes. Roof racks give you extra storage space and can be taken off when they're no longer needed.
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