Roof bars

How to choose your roof bars?

How to choose your roof bars?
3 steps:
  • Identify your vehicle type to define the family to which it corresponds. There are three main families:
    • Classic: for vehicles not originally equipped with side bars
    • Railing: for vehicles originally equipped with side bars
    • Pro: for utility vehicles
  • Choose the product which corresponds to your need (aluminium, locking system, fix point, etc.). See below the points to be noted.
  • Check in the Automaxi guide the reference which corresponds to your vehicle (make, model, year, number of doors).
Points to be noted to help you choose:
  • Compliance with existing standards: NFR 18-903-1, DIN , ISO
  • 2 possible materials for the bar:
    • light aluminium (light, aesthetic, strong, no corrosion),
    • steel (strong, economical).
  • Type of attachment on vehicle. Preferably choose bars attaching on the anchoring points provided by the manufacturer (Fix Points) =
    • better vehicle protection (less risk of denting of roof),
    • quick and easy attachment,
    • less risk of incorrect use.
  • For vehicles originally equipped with longitudinal bars (estate cars, station wagons, 4WD vehicles, etc.), you must purchase a roof bar specific to this type of vehicle (Railing family),
  • Protruding bar (offers a larger loading area) or non-protruding bar (may improve the aesthetic effect on your vehicle),
  • Optional serial locking system. Preferably choose key locking systems which offer greater security,
  • Protection on parts in contact with the vehicle body,
  • Anti-corrosion protection of metal parts (PVC section on bar, epoxy paint on attachment lugs, anti-corrosion treatment of fastenings),
  • Bar aerodynamics (an oval tube reduces noise and fuel consumption).
Recommendations for use:
  • Remove the bars when not using them (fuel consumption, noise),
  • Check the maximum acceptable load on the roof bar and the maximum acceptable load on the roof of your vehicle: if the latter value is lower than the maximum load on the bar, it is the value to be taken into account (example: if max. load on bar = 75 kg and max. load on vehicle = 50 kg, the maximum authorised load is 50 kg),
  • Comply with the manufacturer's instructions concerning bar positioning and tightening force,
  • Never use bungee cords to secure your loads; preferably use straps,
  • Attach long objects at the front of the vehicle to reduce catching in the wind,
  • Use a red luminous reflecting device to mark loads protruding by more than 1 metre at the rear of the vehicle. It is prohibited to transport loads protruding by more than 3 metres (highway code).
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