While transporting equipment long or short distance, it can be advantageous to use a roof bar or roof rack to free up space in your vehicle. It can have an impact on the performance of your car, regardless of the weight of cargo. There are certain things that affect your car, such as car roof lights and roof racks etc. Today, we have come up with a guide to how a roof rack affects your car. Here are certain ways roof rack may affect your vehicle in terms of handling, fuel consumption, noise, height and more:
Fuel Consumption
First of all, a roof rack can cause a serious effect on fuel consumption. While applying weight to the top of your car, the engine should work hard to accelerate, leading to more fuel consumption. It is also a result of enhanced drag. A roof rack on its own would apply a little amount of drag and enhance the wind resistance of your car, however, it will concurrently rise as more things are added to the roof rack. As there is more stuff attached to the roof rack or in case traveling with some larger items like a roof box or a bike, the fuel economy of your car is more affected. The roof rack is useful in case of regularly transporting thighs, hence it is a nice practice to remember to keep removing them when not in use. It can help reduce the field consumption of your car.
Handling
Heavier loads on the roof rack may affect how your car handles while driving. It is often caused by a shift in the center of gravity of the vehicle as wind hits the cargo attached to it and makes the car less aerodynamic. A subsequent impact is enhanced difficulty while steering. Moreover, wider load can have a significant effect on wind resistance of your car, hence it is advisable to consider transporting amid windy days. Modern roof racks can redistribute the weight applied to them in an evenly fashion, helping lessen the change in center of gravity.
Noise
Another impact of using roof racks is noise. Several racks are constructed to be aerodynamics and hence any noise produced is less, however a whistling sound may take place as the rack bars cut through the air, and is called Aeolian noise. This sound may be created rarely, but it should not be a massive factor when buying a roof rack.
Height
It is a natural one to consider while adding different things to your roof rack. Wherever you’re traveling, the height of your car will enhance as the load increases, hence it is important to consider this when entering car parks and traveling under lower bridges. There are several different roof racks and roof bars to consider while transporting cargo. So, these are some of the ways a car roof rack may affect your car’s performance. There are certain effects on noise, height and fuel consumption, but not some massive effects!
