The charm of a sunroof in your car is incomparable. The bright light and the bold breeze let into your vehicle while you enjoy the open road is exceptional. Not to forget, the thrill of peaking through the roof and enjoying the view is also amazing.
But despite their enticing values, sunroofs seem to be a challenging choice for many. The primary reason is that most individuals doubt its interference with their need to install roof racks. Long-distance road travels and family vacations demand large storage spaces, and accommodating luggage within the car could become impossible and inconvenient. Roof racks are a blessing as they provide abundant storage for all your travel necessities.
But does choosing roof racks mean letting go of your sunroof dreams? Certainly not. Roof racks and sunroofs are compatible, and it is only critical to pick and install appropriate designs to enjoy them.
Bringing Sunroofs And Roof Racks Together
Sunroofs are openings in the car roof that typically slide or open to let light and air into the vehicle. The placement generally allows front and rear seat passengers to access the opening. Long-distance travel can get more comfortable, windy, and less claustrophobic with sunroofs. But roof racks for cars are also a necessity, in this case, to improve space and enable easy movement of large accessories like sporting equipment, huge luggage, and tents.
The good news is putting a roof rack on your car with a panoramic sunroof is not entirely impossible. This way, you can continue to effortlessly carry items for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking, all while relishing the beauty of the open sky through your roof.
Things To Consider
Here are some points to consider before choosing and installing a roof rack on a sunroof. They will ensure you attach it properly without damaging the panoramic view.
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Take A Look At The Manufacturer’s Guide
While most car models offer the liberty to install roof racks with sunroofs, some may not be compatible with this combination. The manufacturer’s guide will let you know whether it is possible to install them together and if it is best to avoid this for safety purposes.
Check The Size
One critical aspect to consider while choosing a roof rack is to ensure the size fits elegantly on top. The rack needs proper width to secure perfectly on the side and appropriately long to not extend over the sunroof. Remember there should be space between the roof rack and sunroof to ensure you can open and close it comfortably.
Assess Maximum Weight
While choosing roof racks, keep the maximum weight capacity of the roof in mind. Mounting roof racks above the weight limit could damage the panoramic sunroof and jeopardize car safety. Also, many vehicles come with thin glass fitting in the sunroof. These fragile glasses are prone to damage if not carefully handled while installing roof racks. So check the durability of the glass and practice safety measures to protect it during installation.
What Type Do You Need?
The attachment type is also an important aspect to consider. Roof rack attachments may be permanent or temporary. If you plan to use them occasionally, you may need to keep the option for removing them open. Temporary attachments are the best choice here as they are easy to install and remove. Also, in this case, you can go for economic options that are slightly less durable but serve the purpose well. Permanent attachments are ideal for frequent users. These are relatively secure and are difficult to install and remove. Here you need to pick durable racks that can withstand regular wear and tear to get the best benefits.
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Ways To Install And Uninstall Roof Rack On Sunroof
Multiple methods exist to install and remove roof racks from your car while keeping the sunroof safe.
1. You can install the roof rack directly to the rails provided at the top of the car
2. You can use universal clamps along with an aerodynamic crossbars system
3. You can mount a clamp-on accessory if the sunroof does not have pre-existing rails.
Each method is suitable for different models of cars, roof racks, and cargo sizes. The uninstallation process is quite similar to the installation. Keep in mind that unless you remove the roof rack permanently, you do not need to remove supporting accessories that enable quick and easy reinstallation.
Safety First
You need to consider some basic safety features to carry both accessories properly while driving before you get ready for the road.
First, identify the best size of roof rack that fits comfortably in your vehicle while not extending over the sunroof. Second, avoid placing too many heavy items in the roof rack closer to the sunroof. If they detach during the drive, they may slide right into the car or damage the glass. So place lighter items in the front. Third, keep in mind during loading that the objects are not obstructing the view from the sunroof. Finally, invest in handy attachment tools to install and remove roof racks for the best results.
Conclusion
Car manufacturers across the globe today understand the appeal of flaunting sunroofs in a car while also enjoying the benefits of roof racks. Designs to make the two compatible are available for the customer to provide the best of both worlds. Explore these choices for your cars to enjoy the company of both accessories on the road.
