Should You Take Your Car Roof Racks Off Occasionally

Once you have decided on a roof rack for your car and get it installed, you can use it to help transport your gear from one adventure to the next, but what about the times you’re not travelling around with your outdoor equipment? Do you still need to leave your roof rack on or should you take it off when not in use? We’re here to dispel the myths around keeping roof racks on cars.

Take off roof racks when cleaning and fixing

When it comes to your roof racks, there is actually no real reason to take them off…except when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. You want to make sure your roof racks stay in good working condition, so this means regular maintenance to ensure it stays sturdy and keeps your equipment in place.

To give your roof racks the best clean possible, they need to be off of the car first. First, give them a good visual inspection to check for any corrosion. Any parts that are experiencing wear and tear will need to be replaced before putting the roof rack back onto the car or there is a risk of parts coming off and causing serious damage. You can find more information on how to clean your roof racks on our blog.

Be sure to lubricate all nuts and bolts before putting the roof rack back onto the car. While keeping the roof rack on the car when not in use is okay, vibrations can loosen fixtures so keeping them lubricated will help.

Taking your roof racks also means you have the chance to give the roof of your car a good was too! Dirt can easily hide in the areas covered by the roof racks normally, so be sure to take the opportunity to wash away the dirt and grime that may have accumulated.

Want to run your car through a car wash?

It’s no secret that a car wash is a quick and easy way of getting your car to sparkle again without the hassle, but it’s a big mistake to go through one with roof racks. It is necessary to remove the racks and any other accessories before going through a car wash. The large brushes can get tangled in the racks and even pull them off of your car.

It’s okay to leave them on sometimes

If your roof racks are not due a clean, everything is in good working order, and you’re not going through a car wash then there is no real harm in keeping on your roof racks. Yakima roof racks have been designed for it’s sturdy, streamlined properties, so there should be no difference to your MPG on the roads. After a decade of research, we developed an aerodynamic version of roof racks that won’t affect the performance of your car with a decrease in wind noise and drag. However, if you are planning a long road trip on motorways without the need of bringing along your equipment, then consider taking them off to make the most out of your drive.

Considering a roof rack for your own car? Yakima has roof racks and other car accessories to suit all types of vehicles. We can help point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the best roof rack for you, and our customer support is available to answer any questions. Use our Vehicle Finder or contact us to discuss your hobbies and requirements and we will help you find the best-suited roof rack and accessories available.