This is when you know they are installed properly. They shouldn’t slide or move when you pull on them. Ensure each side is tight by checking that they are perpendicular to one another and not angled inwards or outward. Step #4 Check The Rack For Sturdinessĭon’t overtighten the screws or you could strip them. Once you have determined this, use the Allen wrench to tighten up the bolts. You want them positioned so the weight is distributed evenly on top of the vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t have markings for where to place the crossbars, use the measuring tape to ensure they are even. Once loosened, open up the bottoms and place them horizontally on the crossbar of your vehicle. Repeat the steps until all four sides of the cross rails are loose. Once unlocked, insert the hex wrench into the adjustment gear and turn counterclockwise to release the lock on the lever. Use the enclosed keys to unlock or (open) up the rack. Ensure the crossbars allow enough space, so nothing touches the glass. If not, you’ll want to use the tape measure to find the height of your sunroof and then measure from that point to where you’ll be installing the new crossbars. Most pre-installed roof racks will have bolts or markings of where to position the crossbars. The roof rack instructions will come with instructions on how far to position the crossbars to ensure the weight is distributed properly. Every vehicle is different, so you’ll want to check with the owner’s manual.įor the purpose of these instructions, we’re assuming that your vehicle has existing side rails so we’ll be walking you through how to install rooftop crossbars. This is only necessary if you have to put the crossbars (the ones that go long way, not side to side).Įnsure you use a measuring tape to mark where you’ll be putting the bolts to hold the rack. This will be how high you need to raise the roof rack so it doesn’t come in contact with the glass top. ![]() I’ve shared some of the best roof racks to purchase if you have a sunroof. If you’re unsure of what type of buy, scroll down further. Some of the most popular ones are multi-purpose systems such as Thule, Yakima and etc, which allow you to mount canoes, kayaks, bikes, skis, and snowboards. Regardless, if your car doesn’t already have crossbars on it, you’ll need to purchase an entire roof rack system. Of course, most Toyota Prius’s don’t have a sunroof unless you’ve added an aftermarket one. If you have a Toyota Prius (what I have) you’ll need to buy the whole system, which includes the crossbars, saddles, and etc. ![]() So, the type of kayak rack you use will depend on what the top of your vehicle looks like. The longer bolts will make sure that the brackets attached to the back of your car won’t come loose or get damaged. The clearance bar will ensure that the kayak rack doesn’t hit against your roof and potentially scratch or dent it. ![]() If you have an older vehicle without them, you may need to invest in a clearance bar with longer bolts. Most newer vehicles will already have a roof rack installed, so all you’ll have to do is install the crossbars. This will ensure you don’t damage them during the installation process. Remove the antenna or any other accessories on the roof. If you have a Yakima system for example, then you’ll need the standard bolt, nut and washer package. Bolts, nuts, and washers to match what’s on top of your roof rack system.Tape measure (for measuring the height of your sunroof).They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch. Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose. You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars. There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. ![]() Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
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