How to Install a Car Roof Rack
Roof racks attach to the top of your vehicle and are used to carry cargo, luggage or bicycles as to travel. These racks come in several different sizes and configurations to ensure you get the correct device for your needs. To make sure that your cargo will remain on top of your vehicle, you must make sure the rack is properly installed. For some racks, this requires drilling into the roof.
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Instructions
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Put the rack together. Each rack is different so follow the directions with the rack. Usually this entails attaching joints to two mounting strips and then attaching the rack bars to the joints.
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2
Place the rack on top of the vehicle and measure between the rack and the sides of the vehicle to ensure the rack is in the center.
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3
Drill holes into the top of the car through guide holes on the mounting plates of the rack. If you can't get a good angle, drill just enough to make an indentation, remove the rack, and then drill the hole.
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4
Place the rack back over the holes. Secure the rack by screwing in the mounting screws with a screwdriver.
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5
Peel the backing off the no slip strips which may have come with the kit and apply them to the roof of your car. Make sure the car is free from debris when you apply them and make sure they are evenly spaced.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the rack is installed, you may be able to adjust the width of it to suit your needs. If so, your rack will probably have buttons on the joints which will allow you to slide the rack across the mounting plates.
Examine your rack before installing it. Some racks do not require drilling and may just fasten to siderails on the roof of the car. Make sure you don't drill needless holes in your roof.
Watch out for any metal shavings which may have sprung up when you were drilling. Wipe the top of the car with a rag before driving to eliminate these shavings.
References
- Photo Credit car and bikes image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com
