Roof bars seem a little bit obscure at first if you’ve never needed to carry large loads. But if and when your family grows, and you realise you need more space for their stuff, extra storage is key. Such items might include a bike rack, a roof box, or surfboard boxes. Whatever it is being brought along, you’re going to need roof racks to support it all.
The most important question is which roof rack fits your car? There are a couple of different factors to consider at this point. The first thing to note is whether your car already has roof rails. Because cars obviously come in a multitude of sizes and shapes, roof racks come in three parts to make them more universal in fitting various cars – bars, feet, and fitting kits. Cars with solid roof rails fitted by the manufacturer (frequently estates and SUVs) may not need the fitting kits – only the feet and bars.
Manufacturers fit two types of roof rails: raised ones that have a gap between the roof and the rail and integrated/flush ones that don’t. On the other hand, cars with fixed points or nothing at all will need all three parts. Fixed points do not protrude from the roof like solid rails. There are usually four of them on a car, often along two black strips, one on each side of the roof. Some also support most bike racks.
What are car roof bars and why use them?
Car roof bars are the foundation layer for carrying extra bits and pieces on your vehicle’s roof. Basically, they are a pair of crossbars that attach securely to your car, providing a strong base for accessories like roof boxes, bike racks, and roof racks. If you’re planning road trips, outdoor adventures, or just need more space for carrying stuff like timber or pipes for DIY projects, installing roof bars is a pretty good idea. Roof bars distribute weight evenly across the roof, making things safe and stable during your journey.
Roof bars vs roof racks – what’s the difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Roof bars are the basic crossbars at the bottom that attach to your car, forming the foundation for other accessories. Roof racks usually refer to a full system or carrier that sits on top of roof bars, designed to carry luggage or other kinds of loads. In short, you need roof bars first – most roof racks mount onto them.
The best roof racks at a glance
Types of roof bars explained
Not all cars have the same roof design, and roof bar systems vary in style, material, and mounting method. Here’s are a few things to consider before you buy.
Raised roof rails vs flush rails vs bare roofs
The way your car’s roof is designed will determine which roof bar system you need:
Raised roof rails: These rails run along the length of your roof and have a gap between the rail and the car body. Roof bars clamp around these rails, making the installation job simple.
Flush roof rails: Similar to raised rails, but these sit flush against the roof. They look sleek but can require special fitting kits.
Bare roof: If your car has no roof rails, you’ll need a roof bar system that uses door pillars, rubber spacers and clamps to secure the bars.
Clamp-on vs fixed point vs T-track systems
Once you know your roof type, you’ll need to choose a mounting system:
Clamp-on roof bars: Ideal for bare roofs. They attach via clamps and are removable when not in use.
Fixed point systems: Some cars have hidden mounting points under covers on the roof. Fixed point bars screw directly into these, giving a secure, factory-style fit.
T-track systems: Found on premium roof bars, these feature a channel (or “track”) on top, allowing you to slide in accessories like bike carriers and ski racks. These give the most flexibility.
Aluminium vs steel roof bars – pros and cons
Roof bars are usually made from aluminium or steel, and each with advantages. If you travel often or want a sleek, quiet setup, choose aluminium. Steel works well for heavy-duty jobs on a budget.
Aluminium roof bars: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and often more aerodynamic. They typically come with T-tracks for easy accessory mounting.
Steel roof bars: Heavier and more basic, but usually cheaper and extremely strong. Great for occasional use or heavier loads.
How to choose the right roof bars for your car
Picking the right roof bars isn’t just about looks; it’s about safety, the kind of usage, compatibility with your car, and practicality.
Check your car’s compatibility
Not all roof bars fit every car. Check what type of roof your vehicle has: raised rails, flush rails, or a bare roof. Most manufacturers provide a guide, so look up your make, model, and year before you buy. Also, check whether your car has fixed mounting points, as this can affect the system you need.
Consider your load needs and usage
Think about what you’ll be carrying and also, consider bar width. Wider bars carry more but can stick out past the car’s sides, which isn’t always practical.
Roof box for holidays: Go for aerodynamic aluminium bars for quiet driving and fuel economy.
Bikes or canoes: Choose bars with T-tracks for easy attachment of carrier accessories.
DIY jobs or heavy loads: Steel bars are strong and budget-friendly, ideal for occasional use.
Vehicle regulations and weight limits
Every vehicle has a maximum roof load rating, usually found in the owner’s manual. This includes the weight of the roof bars, accessories, and the load itself. Overloading can damage your car’s roof and compromise safety. If you keep the total load well below the limit, you’ll get better economy, stability and handling.
In addition to the way roof bars attach, they also come in a range of sizes to accommodate the different widths of cars. Both Amazon Garage and Halfords’ search tool are useful resources in filtering which roof racks fit your car. But you still need to be aware of whether you need racks for raised, flush, or no roof rails. Another great benefit they have over, say, bike racks is that roof-mounted racks don’t interfere with parking sensors on your vehicle.
How we test
Prior to things like wind noise and loading things on top, we have to assess each set of roof bars with a keen eye for detail, specifically looking to see how easy the installation is of each product. While not completely essential across the board, the build quality of roof bars will determine a user’s confidence in how sturdy they’ll feel on top of a vehicle and how well it can hold a series of items – including roof bags and boxes.
Value for money is always a bonus if you can get a set of roof bars at a good enough price, and all the above will be tied into our overall score. Other critiques such as road noise is individual to different vehicles, so it’s difficult to assess noise and efficiency when such variables are evident.
Meet the experts
Adam Binnie
Affiliate Operations Editor and serial roof accessory enthusiast, Adam loves a getaway where a set of roof bars are involved, and given he’s been at Parkers since 2015, he was the perfect candidate to assess the worthiness and strength of tried and tested accessories.
Whether it’s roof bars, roof tents, or even supercars, Adam is more than qualified to assess them all with a keen eye for enthusiasm and journalistic integrity. Prior to our group test, he also had a set of bars fitted to his long-term Dacia Duster. So, he was primed and ready even before the main assessment began.
Aaron Hussain
After obtaining his masters in Automotive Journalism at Coventry University, Aaron has been testing, writing, and coordinating product tests for Parkers since 2023 as a Commercial Content Writer. Whether it’s dashcams, car shampoo, or diagnostic tools, Aaron has tried and tested them all, and nothing has ever stopped him from assessing their worth.
As a lifelong car and travel enthusiast, he is the ideal candidate to check out whether holiday equipment such as roof boxes, roof bars, or even gadgets are worth your while before setting off for your break.
The best car roof bars 2025
I've used dozens of sets of roof bars on Parkers long-term test cars over the years and know exactly what makes a good and bad design. Every time I've used a Thule product, it's worked perfectly and has been a doddle to install, and I'm delighted to say nothing has changed here.
I've tried a couple of wing-shaped bars previously but this pair is without doubt the most wing-shaped - the profile is so thin and flat (but not too wide for the fixtures on my roof bag), and they sit so low down on my roof rails, that you barely notice them on there unless you know where to look.
And (the theory goes) that low profile means less wind noise and ultimately better fuel economy, especially if you don't have anything attached to them. That might sound like an odd thing to say but I've been forced to remove previous, less aero systems from my roof when not in use because they're so loud, but that's not a problem here, so I can just leave them on.
My Dacia Duster long-termer has a bit of wind noise on the motorway anyway, and in all honesty, these Thule bars have added absolutely zero decibels to that. They've also only dented a couple of MPG (again, with just the bars on), so there really is very little penalty to leaving them attached.
Installation was a little more involved than with other Thule systems I've used, which just clamped onto the roof rails. These have a steel strap that needs to be threaded around and then tightened with an allen key - Thule supplies one that clicks at the appropriate torque, and it has an allen head on the back so you can do most of the tightening with an electric drill or ratchet driver (just make sure you tighten it down fully by hand to avoid over-torquing it).
The plastic covers then lock into place to deter thieves. These also block the t-slot channel, so whatever you attach to them remains safe too. This has also had an update - in years gone by, you had to cut a rubber strip to the right length to go between whatever was on the roof, and then feed it into the slot. Which was great until you cut it to the wrong length, or had to adjust the position of your bike carriers.
Now the rubber strip is in two pieces and runs the length of the channel, so you can just slide things between the halves. This is a much better design.
The only downsides I can see are that the bars sit inboard of the car's roof rails, so you lose a little mounting space compared to those that stick out over the side, but this does make them much quieter on the move. The second issue is the price - these are not a cheap upgrade. But they are much cheaper than having to replace your £10,000 carbon road bike if it falls off the roof. So that's good peace of mind."
Review by Adam Binnie
Pros
- Superb build quality and construction, as per Thule products - and a very secure fit once everything's tightened up
- Rated at 75kg, making them capable of carrying large loads
- Easy to install and not a lot of wind noise when on the move
Cons
- You need existing roof rails for the bars to go in place
- A bit of mounting space lost, due to the bars sitting inboard of the car's roof rails
| Payload capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Raised roof rails |
| Dimensions | 120 x 12 x 14cm |
| Weight | 5.1kg |
Editor's pick
A set was already installed onto our colleague, Oil Reed's Peugeot 3008, and my first impressions were complimentary of how subtle they looked. They fitted so neatly to the car's flush rails, that you'd suspect that Peugeot would offer a pair as part of its accessories range.
Nevertheless, they possessed all the usual Thule qualities; a secure fitting, exceedingly excellent build quality and materials, and sturdiness to match. We loaded a series of items on top of the WingBar Edges as part of our roof box and roof bag tests, and they took each one - from a number of brands and styles - without fuss.
The ease of use, durability, and stability of the WingBar Edges are a testament to the Thule brand, and the usefulness of this variant makes it my personal pick of the range.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Thule claims a universal fit, which is handy if you switch between different cars often
- Secure fit which is complimented by a sturdy, solid build quality and fixings
- Easily stores roof boxes and bags and aren't too difficult to take off again
Cons
- Sizing isn't all that clear when choosing your ideal set
| Payload capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Flush roof rails |
| Dimensions | 120 x 20 x 14cm |
| Weight | 5.76kg |
The best roof bars for security
Nevertheless, the outright feel and build quality of the WingBar Evos is superior to the others on test – including Thule’s own WingBar Edge by a slight margin. The sense of solidity when clicking everything together is reassuring. As it should be for the princely sum of £235 before extras.
You do need to get a fitting kit for each individual vehicle you buy them for. This is a faff if you’re someone who changes cars on a semi-regular basis. Fitting kits cost around £30 each, so there’s that to bear in mind if you opt for these bars.
There is a major, major drawback, however. I installed these on top of the Parkers Audi A5 Avant long termer, and above 50mph, the wind noise is pretty unbearable. There’s a whistly squeal which becomes louder the faster you go – it's like having constant tinnitus, and it really got on my nerve despite only driving for approximately 20-miles.
I'm reliably informed that wind noise levels can differ between different cars. But for me, that presents an issue for Audi; given that owners of A5s will almost certainly use them for long, continental road trips across Europe, that wind noise is an annoying thing to deal with if you throw a roof box on it.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Safe, secure fitting with a logical, step-by-step process of installation
- Top quality materials and feel throughout - even down to the little brackets and screws
- Thule roof boxes fit perfectly, and they're designed for flush roof rails
Cons
- The wind noise is very noticeable - and not ideal for long motorway cruises
| Payload capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Flush roof rails |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 31.2 x 42.6cm |
| Weight | 2.9kg |
Best budget roof bars
There’s a lot to concede with the Summits; they don’t feel as premium in quality as any Thule roof bars, but they feel secure enough on any car’s roof rails. I found they can hold a box tightly as well without any movement. Above all, there isn’t that much in the way of attachments, and having tried these on a number of vehicles, they can be fitted to a variety of makes and models.
We installed them on a Skoda Elroq and VW ID.7 and discovered they fitted perfectly. This gives the Summit bars a clear advantage over the Thule bars as for the latter, you have to get the correct fitting kit for each make and model. So, it’s nice to be able to swap these over onto different cars as and when you change them.
However, my biggest gripe towards the Summit bars is the irritating business of installing them. You have to feed the bolt through the bracket and into a freely rotating cylinder. I found the process to be way too fiddly and that this design could've easily been solved. Quite frankly, it took me far longer to get these things on a vehicle than it should’ve done.
Because of that, I can’t honestly recommend them over the Thule Evos. When it comes to roof bars, it’s the small, fiddly bits which can determine a user’s impressions, and I’d be more than happy to pay the premium for a set which are easier to install. Saying that, my colleagues appeared to have an easier time installing them, so perhaps it's a skill issue on my part.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Second opinion, Tom Webster
They were easy to attach and detach, with one tool and the key being all you needed and I managed to take them off without recourse to any manual or asking a colleague, which was a real bonus. There was a pronounced increase in wind noise from relatively low speeds - around 30-40mph at memory and this kicked up more when you got to motorway speeds.
However, the caveat there is that the ID.7 is a very quiet car at all speeds, so such changes are more noticeable. I didn't get a precise economy difference for the whole time they were on but it seemed to have an impact on that front too. I usually get over 4mpkWh and it was dipping just below that.
Pros
- Impressive value for money at just £60, which undercuts Thule bars by quite a margin
- So versatile, they can fit onto all sorts of cars, so long as they have flush roof rails
- They feel sturdy enough and once locked into place, feel very secure
Cons
- The overall build quality isn't as great as the Thule options
- Feeding the bolts in place was too fiddly in my experience
- Wind noise and economy is affected, no matter which car you put them on
| Load capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Flush rails |
| Dimensions | 136 x 11 x 16cm |
| Weight | 3.46kg |
Best for raised roof bars
They also feature locks to keep everything secure from thieves. However, they're nowhere near as aerodynamic as other options, so expect wind noise.
Pros
- Great value for money at well-under £100 for the set
- Rated up to 75kg, so they can take heavy loads
- Comes with sets of keys and a locking mechanism, like the others
Cons
- Not as aerodynamic as the others, nor as flush
- Don't expect build quality to be as good as the Thule units
| Payload capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Raised roof bars |
| Dimensions | 135 x 13 x 6cm |
| Weight | 3.14kg |
Best budget roof racks for those without rails
The alternative is the vastly cheaper set of Summit roof racks. The drawbacks are that they're only designed to fit certain vehicles (at least according to the description), but that is completely circumstantial as to whether that matters to you. The other obvious difference is the design – square bars to Thule’s aeroplane-style Edge WingBars. So, aerodynamics is a slight issue.
Pros
- Ideal for cars without roof rails, as they'll fit onto flush rails
- Very good value for money at just over £100, which undercuts Thule bars
- Still takes a 75kg payload, which is handy for large, heavy loads
Cons
- Only designed to fit certain vehicles, which limits their usefulness
| Payload capacity | 75kg |
| Mounting type | Flush roof rails |
| Dimensions | 132 x 14 x 13cm |
| Weight | 4.82kg |
Are roof bars safe? Tips for secure usage
Roof bars are a useful and practical way of carrying extra luggage, roof boxes, or bikes, but you don’t want to take any risks, and you should make sure that safety always comes first. When fitted and used correctly, roof bars should be perfectly safe. However, if they are installed wrongly or misused, that can have safety implications while travelling.
Proper installation advice
It goes without saying that you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as each vehicle is different, and each bar system will have its own design. Make sure that the bars are compatible with your car’s roof type. All the bolts and clamps should be tightened properly and should be evenly spaced for balanced weight distribution. After installation, give the bars a good shake to make sure they’re locked in place.
Driving with roof bars: Do’s and don’ts
Do:
Keep loads within the limits for both the bars and your car roof.
Check the bars and load before every trip
It’s worth checking and retightening after the first few miles.
Drive a bit more carefully, as roof loads can affect handling and braking.
Don’t:
Exceed speed recommendations; most brands suggest staying under 70mph with a roof load.
Overload the bars, as this can be dangerous and illegal.
Ignore unusual wind noise or vibrations, as it could be a sign that something is loose.
Security locks and anti-theft features
Most quality roof bars come with a built-in locking system to deter theft. If your bars don’t have locks, consider adding an after-purchase locking system or security straps.
Roof bar accessories to consider
Once you’ve installed roof bars, look at the types of accessories available to get the best from them. From extra storage options to safety add-ons, these can help you transport stuff securely and efficiently. Here are some of the most popular choices for roof bar owners.
Roof boxes, bike racks, and kayak carriers
If you need extra space for luggage for a holiday or a road trip, a roof box is a great addition. They come in various sizes, so choose one that suits your needs without exceeding your car’s roof weight limit. Bike racks designed to fit onto roof bars allow you to transport bikes securely without taking up boot space. If you’re heading to the water, kayak or canoe carriers are specifically designed to keep large, awkwardly shaped items stable during travel. Just some of the accessories available to make your trip easier and safer.
Load stops, tie-downs, and cargo nets
Load stops are a must-have safety item for open loads like timber, ladders, or other bulky items. They attach to your roof bars and help prevent the load from sliding around. Tie-down straps are another must-have, ensuring your cargo is tightly secured for the entire trip. Cargo nets can be stretched over the load and are a good way to keep everything in place.
Installation: Can I fit roof bars myself?
Yes, most roof bars can be fitted at home with some basic tools and a little patience. Manufacturers usually provide clear instructions, and many systems are designed to be user-friendly.
Tools you’ll need
The essential tools you’ll need will include a torque wrench, a tape measure for even spacing, and sometimes a screwdriver, Allen key, spanner or socket for adjustments. It’s perhaps also a good idea to have a step stool, or something to stand on to make access to the top of the car easier. A cloth or towel is also worth having to protect your car’s paintwork while you are doing the installation. Some roof bar kits include the tools you need, but always check the instructions before you begin.
Step-by-step installation overview
We know it’s the boring bit, but start by reading the manufacturer’s guide in full. It’ll include any car-specific requirements and might even offer handy hints or shortcuts. If you can get someone else to help you, that might make things a little easier. Position the bars according to the instructions, making sure they’re lined up and evenly spaced. Attach the clamps or fixings to your car’s roof rails or door frames, then tighten them using the specified torque settings. Finally, give the bars a firm pull to ensure they’re secure before loading any weight. It’s also a good idea to double-check everything after a short drive.
When to get professional help
If your vehicle has a panoramic roof or an unusual roof shape, if you’re unsure about torque settings and alignment, or if you’re just not 100% sure about fitting it yourself, it might be worth getting a professional to install the bars. Many car accessory shops and garages in the UK offer a while-you-wait fitting service, which can save time in the long run and give you peace of mind that everything is properly fitted.
FAQs
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How fast can I drive with roof bars?
Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 70mph with roof bars installed, but always check the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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How much MPG do you lose with a roof rack?
You can lose 5-15% of your fuel efficiency with a roof rack, depending on its design, the load, and driving speed.
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Do roof bars affect insurance?
Yes, roof bars can affect insurance as they are considered a modification. It's advisable to inform your insurer to ensure coverage in case of damage or theft.
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Will roof bars damage my car?
When properly installed and used according to manufacturer guidelines, roof bars should not damage your car. Modern roof bar systems are designed to distribute weight evenly across your vehicle's roof structure through designated mounting points. However, damage can occur if bars are incorrectly fitted, overloaded, or left on permanently without regular inspection. Always ensure you're using the correct fitting kit for your specific vehicle model and follow torque specifications. Remove roof bars when not in use to prevent long-term stress on mounting points and reduce wind noise. If you're unsure seek professional help.
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How much weight can I carry on roof bars?
The weight limit depends on several factors: your vehicle's maximum roof load (typically 50-100kg for most cars), the roof bar system's capacity, and the specific load being carried. Most standard roof bar systems can handle 60-75kg, but you must never exceed your vehicle's roof load limit, which is usually found in your owner's manual or on a plate inside the driver's door frame. Remember that this includes the weight of the roof bars themselves, plus any carriers or boxes. Dynamic loads (while driving) are typically lower than static loads, so always check both specifications.
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Do I need roof bars to fit a roof box?
Yes, you need roof bars to fit a roof box. Roof boxes cannot be mounted directly to your car's roof - they require a cross-bar system to attach to. The roof bars provide the necessary mounting points and structural support for the box. Make sure your roof bars are compatible with your chosen roof box system, as different manufacturers may use different clamping mechanisms. The bars should also be spaced according to the roof box manufacturer's specifications for optimal weight distribution and security.
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Are roof bars legal without load in the UK?
Yes, it's perfectly legal to drive with empty roof bars in the UK. There's no legal requirement to remove roof bars when they're not carrying a load. However, there are practical considerations: empty roof bars increase wind resistance, fuel consumption, and noise levels. They may also reduce your vehicle's maximum speed capability and handling characteristics slightly. While legal, many drivers choose to remove roof bars when not needed to improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. Always ensure roof bars are properly secured whether loaded or empty.
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