There are many advantages to installing a 4×4 roof rack. Alloy roof racks are lightweight, environmentally friendly, highly durable and corrosion resistant for instance, whilst overall the addition of a roof rack is all you need to increase your vehicle’s storage capacity. The premium roof racks we provide are well known for their longevity and durability too. It’s however a very different story for cheap, low grade roof rack products.
Here we take a closer look at the signs that say it’s time for roof rack replacement and the best products to swap your old one for.
Wear and tear
Whether you use a roof rack as a permanent fixture or affix it to your 4×4 only occasionally, checking your rack for wear and tear should be a vital aspect of ongoing vehicle upgrade maintenance.
Wear and tear can show itself in many ways, with visible damage such as chipped paintwork, cracking and weathering just some of the signs that your roof rack has seen better days.
Unfortunately, there are a number of poor-quality roof racks on the market that begin to show wear and tear after just a few uses. Don’t let the age of your roof rack deter you from checking for visible damage on a regular basis. If your roof rack is looking worn and unstable, it’s time to reinvest in a more premium product.
Rust and other corrosion
While the roof racks we stock are highly regarded for their rust resistance, not all roof racks were created equal. Where our products use powder coating to provide extra protection against the elements, others do not provide such safeguards.
If your roof rack is showing signs of corrosion, with visible rust formation, replacing it before it compromises the overall structure’s strength and performance is recommended.
Overload damage
Overloading a roof rack is a faux pas so many 4×4 drivers unwittingly commit. Being aware of the limits and loading your roof in accordance with these is crucial for overall safety, vehicle performance and the durability of your rack.
Here Unsealed 4×4 offers guidance for determining how much you can carry when driving off-road:
“The limits manufacturers list are dynamic limits and they include the weight of your rack. Meaning, that’s the maximum weight you can have on the roof when driving around (including the roof rack). And by that manufacturers tend to mean driving around town. Have a flick through your vehicle owner’s manual and it’ll likely suggest carrying a lot less on the roof when you’re driving off-road and that’s because there are additional stresses in play…”
If your roof rack has been overloaded one too many times, you may see visible damage such as cracks, splits and bending. Don’t continue to use a roof rack with overload damage, especially if you are driving regularly off-road.
Looking to replace your roof rack?
Here at 4×4 Works, we only stock high-quality roof racks from the world’s best brands, including ARB, Britpart and Front Runner. You’ll find rugged roof rack systems with classic basket, flat, touring and trade constructions, all of which have been designed, developed and built to last a lifetime.
With this in mind, all the roof racks we sell don’t need to be periodically replaced, unless accident damaged or seriously (and we mean seriously!) abused. In fact, their outstanding quality is just one of the reasons why virtually every roof rack we sell is intended as a permanent fit, not attached for occasional use.
If however you made a 4×4 faux pas by choosing a low grade, cheap roof rack and it’s showing the signs detailed above, finding a good-quality replacement is just a few clicks away!
Browse our selection of roof racks here, and don’t forget to read our guide to picking the perfect roof rack for more expert advice.
