How To Fit Roof Bars

Whether you’re loading up for a long weekend, a camping trip or you just need the extra space in your family car, roof bars are one of the most helpful upgrades you can add to your car.

Fitting them is straightforward and you won’t need any specialist skills or equipment. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right roof bars for your car to fitting them yourself safely and securely.

If you’re ready to get started on fitting them yourself, browse our range of roof bars for cars with roof rails and roof bars for cars without to find the best option for you.

What’s Included In This Article?

• Tools you’ll need

• What are roof bars?

• Which roof bars do I need for my car?

• Step-by-step guide to fitting your roof bars

• FAQs

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started on fitting your car’s roof bars, make sure you’ve got these to hand:

• Your new roof bars and fitting kit

• An allen key set (usually these will come in a kit with your roof bars)

• Measuring tape

• Screwdriver

• Soft cloth or blanket to protect your paintwork

Most roof bars come in kits with the fitting hardware and basic tools included, so it’s always worth checking what’s in the box first before reaching for your toolkit.

What Are Roof Bars?

Roof bars are horizontal bars that attach to the roof of your car, giving you a secure platform to safely carry extra loads or oversized items.

Roof bars work by connecting to your car’s roof at fixed points, so you can then attach a roof box or racks for things like bikes or ladders. This is perfect for freeing up some extra space in your car and transporting bulky things more easily. The three main types of roof bars are:

• Square bars: These are the most common option, made from tough, reliable steel

• Aero bars: As the name suggests, these are more aerodynamic, made from lightweight aluminium in a sleeker, curved shape

• Wing bars: These are specifically made by Thule and are the most premium, silent and aerodynamic option, using a full-length T-track system

Which Roof Bars Do I Need For My Car?

Not all roof bars are universal; working out which roof bar is right for your car will depend on the type of roof your car has. Your roof will have one of four main types:

• Normal or bare roofs: These have no rails, fixings or mounting points

• Raised roof rails: These run along the length of your roof with a gap between the rail and the roof

• Flush or closed roof rails: These are sleek rails that sit flat to the roof of the car

• Fixed point roofs: These have hidden mounting points along the car roof’s edge, covered by small plastic caps

If you need a bit more information, we’ve got a comprehensive guide to help you find the right roof bars for your car. The quickest way to find the right bars for your car is to use our registration lookup tool; just enter your registration, and we’ll show you exactly what fits your vehicle.

Step-by-step Guide To Fitting Your Roof Bars

Fitting roof bars yourself might seem tricky at first, but with these instructions and the fitting guide that comes with your roof bars, you’ll get them locked down in no time.

Step 1. Read Your Roof Bar Fitting Guide

The instructions and fitting steps can vary between different brands, cars and roof types, so it’s always worth reading through this first to know what you’re working with and using this as your primary guide.

Step 2. Assemble The Roof Bars

Lay everything out and assemble the bars according to the instructions, using their specific keys or a screwdriver to remove the end caps from the bars. Most kits will come with the feet or clamps already attached to the bar; so, for cars with roof rails, we recommend removing the clamps from the bar first, as it’ll make positioning a bit easier.

Step 3. Place The Clamps At The Correct Distance

Attach the clamps to the rails, fixture points, or to the door frame if your car has a bare roof. They will need to be placed according to the recommended spacing in the fitting guide, so use a measuring tape to make sure the clamps are evenly spaced. This will ensure the weight will be safely distributed.

For fixed point fittings, remove the small caps, align the clamp with the hole and loosely secure it with the provided bolt. For rail systems, open the clamp, place it in the correct position, and again, only loosely tighten.

Step 4. Slide On The Roof Bars

Now grab the bars and position them on the roof next to the mounted clamps; you can put down a cloth here as an extra protective barrier for your paintwork if you want. One by one, slide the bar onto the clamp. To make this part a little easier, slide the bar on from one side, and then go around to the other side of the car to guide it on.

Step 5. Tighten The Clamps

Grab your allen key or the tool that came with your kit and tighten each fixture to pull the whole thing together. Take care not to overtighten, as this could damage the roof bars and your car.

Step 6. Refit Any End Caps Or Covers

Add any end covers back onto the bars, securing them again with their keys or a screwdriver.

Step 7. Test Before Loading

You’re not quite done yet! As vibrations from the road can sometimes loosen fixtures slightly, it’s always best just to have a quick test drive with your new roof bars before adding on any weight or accessories. Re-check the bars afterwards and tighten anything that has become loose.

Now you’re ready to pop on your roof box or your mountain bikes and hit the road! For more advice on getting your car weekend-ready, we’ve got guides on everything from spring car cleaning tips to how to pack your car for a trip.

FAQs

Can Roof Bars Be Fitted To Any Car?

Yes, you can add roof bars to almost any car, but the fitting method will depend on your roof type. To make sure you’re using the right kit for your specific vehicle, use our registration lookup tool to filter the results to your car.

Do Roof Bars Cause Damage To The Car?

Roof bars won’t damage your car if they’re fitted correctly. If damage happens, it’s usually down to using the wrong bars or overtightening the fixtures. Using this guide, the right bars for your car and following the fitting instructions, you will easily keep your roof and car safe.

Does A Roof Bar Waste Fuel?

Having a roof bar on your car does have a small impact on your fuel economy, but this is very minimal. Even empty roof bars create some extra wind resistance, which can reduce your fuel efficiency. But generally speaking, the impact is so low it shouldn’t be cause for concern.