Before you buy a roof rack, you’ll need to do a bit of research. The best roof racks are those that are sturdy, fit your vehicle, and meet your specific needs. 1. Vehicle fit Not all roof racks are compatible with all vehicle types, so you’ll want to determine which kind of roof rack would work best for your vehicle. There are several different types of vehicle roofs, including: Rooftop Rooftops are metal platforms that can be bolted on top of the roof. They are typically designed for larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs and can carry a lot of weight. Rooftops usually come with multiple mounting points so you can adjust the roof rack to fit your vehicle. Roof rails Roof rails are long, narrow bars that run along the length of the roof of a vehicle. They’re usually attached to the vehicle’s roof with bolts or screws. Roof rails are one of the most popular types of roof racks because they’re easy to install and remove. Tray racks Tray racks are similar to rooftop racks, but they’re designed to fit into the roof’s channels or rails. Tray racks are generally lighter and more portable than rooftops, but they don’t provide as much space for cargo. Bike racks Bike racks are specifically designed to carry bicycles. They’re usually made from steel or aluminum and can be attached to the roof of a vehicle with brackets or straps. Bike racks are a great choice for people who want to transport their bicycles in their vehicles. 2. Weight capacity The weight capacity of your roof rack is an important factor to consider when buying a roof rack. Not all roof racks can carry the same amount of weight, so you’ll want to make sure you buy one that can handle the weight of the items you want to transport. The weight capacity of your roof rack is usually stated in pounds. You’ll want to make sure you buy a roof rack that has a weight capacity that’s at least 10 pounds more than the total weight of the items you want to transport. For example, if you’re transporting a bike, you’ll want to make sure your roof rack can carry the weight of the bike plus the weight of the rack itself plus the weight of the straps and clips. This will help ensure that your roof rack won’t tip over or become overloaded. If you’re not sure what the weight capacity of your roof rack should be, you can find out by looking at the manufacturer’s specifications or asking your local auto parts store. 3. Mounting system Roof racks are usually mounted to the vehicle’s roof using either a bolt-on or screw-on system. A bolt-on system is generally considered to be more secure and less likely to become loose over time, but it requires more drilling and tapping. A screw-on system is easier to install and doesn’t require any drilling or tapping, but it may not be as secure as a bolt-on system. It’s important to choose the right mounting system for your vehicle and the type of roof rack you’re using. 4. Wind resistance The design and weight of your roof rack will affect how much wind resistance it creates when you’re driving. A heavier and more aerodynamic roof rack will create less wind resistance, which means it won’t slow your vehicle down as much as a lighter and more bulky roof rack. However, a heavier roof rack may also put more stress on your vehicle’s roof and cause more wear and tear over time. 5. Easy to use A roof rack should be easy to use, so you can quickly and easily load and unload your items without having to struggle or take too much time. Look for a roof rack that comes with easy-to-use latches, straps, and clips so you can attach and remove your items quickly and easily. You should also be able to adjust the height of your roof rack so that it’s at the right level for you to load and unload your items. This will make the whole process much faster and easier, and it will help to reduce any frustration you may feel when trying to use your roof rack. 6. Weatherproof A roof rack should be able to withstand different weather conditions. If you live in a region with a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want to make sure your roof rack is weatherproof so it can withstand the elements. Look for a roof rack that is made of a material that is resistant to rust and corrosion, such as aluminum or stainless steel. You should also look for a roof rack that has a sealed surface so it doesn’t trap moisture and cause mold or mildew to form. See more details about toyota highlander roof rack in AliExpress Video Page.