Roof bars are crossbars fitted across the roof of a car to provide an attachment point for items such as roof boxes, bicycle carriers, luggage carriers and other vehicle accessories.
They can be useful when the boot is already full or when you need to transport equipment that cannot comfortably fit inside the vehicle. However, the right roof bars must match the vehicle and its roof type.
What Are Roof Bars?
Roof bars, also called crossbars, sit across the roof of a vehicle. They form the base onto which other roof-mounted accessories can be attached.
Depending on the setup, you can use them for:
- Roof boxes
- Bicycle carriers
- Luggage carriers
- Cargo baskets
- Kayak or sports equipment carriers
- Certain work equipment
- Camping equipment
The bars themselves are usually only one part of the complete roof rack system. The vehicle may also require specific feet, clamps or fitting kits.
Why Do People Use Roof Bars?
The main reason is additional carrying capacity.
For example, a family travelling from Lagos to another city may have luggage filling the boot and rear seats. A suitable roof box mounted to roof bars can provide additional storage without filling the passenger area.
Cyclists can also use roof bars as the base for a bicycle carrier.
For business users, roof bars can be useful for transporting certain equipment that is too long or bulky for the vehicle’s interior.
Types of Roof Bars
The right roof bars depend heavily on how your car’s roof is designed.
Roof Bars for Raised Roof Rails
Some SUVs and estate cars have raised rails running from the front towards the back of the roof.
Crossbars can be fitted across these rails using a compatible mounting system.
Roof Bars for Flush Rails
Flush rails sit close to the roof without a large gap underneath.
These normally require a vehicle-specific fitting kit rather than the same clamps used for raised rails.
Roof Bars for Bare Roofs
Some cars have a completely plain roof with no visible rails.
Special feet and clips can be designed to attach the bars to the vehicle while protecting the roof and door-frame areas.
Fixed-Point Roof Bars
Some vehicles have specific mounting points built into the roof.
In these cases, the roof bars are attached to the manufacturer’s designated mounting locations using the appropriate fitting system.
Square Bars vs Aero Bars
Roof bars can come in different shapes.
Traditional square bars are generally straightforward and can work with many accessories when the correct fittings are used.
Aero bars have a more streamlined shape designed to reduce wind resistance and noise compared with some traditional designs.
The important thing is not simply choosing the most expensive bar. Check that the bar, feet and accessories are compatible with your particular vehicle.
How Do You Know Which Roof Bars Fit Your Car?
Before buying, identify:
- Vehicle make
- Model
- Year
- Roof type
- Existing roof rails or mounting points
- Maximum permitted roof load
- Required bar length
- Compatible fitting kit
A roof bar that fits one model may not fit another, even if both vehicles are made by the same manufacturer.
Checking the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and the roof-bar manufacturer’s fit guide can prevent an expensive mistake.
How Much Weight Can Roof Bars Carry?
Never assume that because the bars are physically strong, you can load as much weight as you want.
The permitted load depends on the roof, vehicle, mounting system and roof-bar specifications.
The total load can also include the weight of the roof box, bike carrier or other accessory itself.
Always follow the vehicle’s stated roof-load limit and the roof-bar manufacturer’s limit, using the lower applicable limit.
Roof Bars for Carrying Bikes
Roof bars can provide a base for a bicycle carrier.
Some bike carriers hold the bicycle by the frame or wheels, while others require the front wheel to be removed and the bicycle fork attached to the carrier.
This can be useful for cyclists travelling outside their usual riding area.
However, remember that a bicycle mounted on the roof increases the overall height of the vehicle.
Roof Bars for Luggage
A roof box is one of the common accessories used with roof bars.
It can keep luggage outside the passenger compartment while protecting it from weather and road conditions.
When loading a roof box, distribute the weight properly and stay within the permitted limits. Heavy items should not simply be thrown into the box without considering how the load is distributed.
Roof Bars and Nigerian Roads
Road conditions matter when using roof-mounted equipment.
Potholes, speed bumps, rough surfaces and sudden braking can place additional movement on poorly secured loads.
Before every journey, check that:
- The bars are firmly attached
- Mounting points are secure
- Accessories are locked or properly fastened
- Straps are tight where required
- The load cannot move excessively
- Nothing is loose or hanging from the vehicle
Do another check after driving for some distance, particularly if you have just installed the system.
Do Roof Bars Affect Fuel Consumption?
They can increase aerodynamic drag, particularly when the bars and accessories remain on the car when they are not being used.
You may also notice additional wind noise at higher speeds.
If you rarely use the roof bars, removing them when they are no longer needed can be worth considering, provided they can be safely removed and stored.
Roof Bars and Vehicle Height
This is one of the easiest things to forget.
Once roof bars, a roof box or a bicycle are installed, your vehicle is taller than normal.
Be particularly careful around:
- Parking garages
- Low bridges
- Petrol station canopies
- Building entrances
- Drive-through areas
- Tree branches
- Low overhead structures
If you normally drive a vehicle without roof equipment, the extra height can take some getting used to.
Can You Leave Roof Bars on the Car?
You can leave a compatible roof-bar system installed if it is designed for that use and remains correctly secured.
However, if you do not need it regularly, removing it can reduce wind noise and aerodynamic drag.
Regularly inspect the mounting points if the bars remain installed for extended periods.
Common Roof Bar Mistakes
Avoid these common problems:
- Buying bars without checking vehicle compatibility
- Exceeding the roof-load limit
- Using the wrong fitting kit
- Failing to tighten the mounting system correctly
- Carrying an unsecured load
- Forgetting the increased vehicle height
- Leaving loose straps exposed to the wind
- Ignoring unusual movement or noise
- Assuming all roof bars are universal
A professional installation can be worthwhile if you are unsure about the correct fitting system.
Roof Bars for Long-Distance Travel
Roof bars can be particularly useful when travelling between Nigerian cities with a large amount of luggage or equipment.
Before leaving, inspect the entire setup rather than checking only the items being carried.
Make sure the roof bars, mounting points and accessories are all secure. Stop periodically during a long journey to check that nothing has loosened.
Roof Bars and Travo.ng
Whether you are preparing for an interstate journey, moving luggage, transporting a bicycle or coordinating travel and logistics, the right vehicle setup can make a trip easier.
Travo.ng supports travel and logistics needs including transport coordination, travel bookings, airport-related movement, courier and delivery services.
If you are buying roof bars, start with your vehicle rather than the product. Confirm the roof type, compatible fitting kit and permitted roof load before paying for anything. A properly matched system is safer and more useful than a generic set that does not fit your car correctly.
