Roof bars are an essential vehicle accessory that lets you fit a roof box and safely carry extra luggage or equipment. To select the right roof bars for your vehicle, it’s important to understand your vehicle's specifications and your transport needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations to help you choose the right roof bars for your car.
Understand your roof type
Firstly, you’ll need to assess what type of roof your car has. Some vehicles have pre-installed roof bars from the manufacturer, particularly on SUVs while some have none fitted at all. It’s important that you get roof bars fitted if necessary, before purchasing a roof box or any other storage solution that requires roof bars.
Here are the four main types of car roofs:
Normal roofs
Normal roofs, also known as bare roofs, are the most basic roof type with no visible mounting points, rails, or fixings. If your car has a normal roof, you'll need roof bars that clamp onto the door frame. These systems usually use a custom fitting kit designed specifically for your car’s make and model.
Fixed points
Fixed point roofs have small, often hidden, mounting points along the roofline, usually covered by plastic caps or trims. These points are specifically designed by the manufacturer for attaching roof bars. They provide a clean look and a secure base for mounting a roof rack system. Once the bars are attached to these fixed points, you can mount your roof box directly onto the bars. These systems come with a custom fitting kit designed specifically for your car’s make and model.
Closed or flush roof rails
Flush rails run along the edges of the car’s roof, but unlike raised rails, they sit flat and close against the bodywork, with no gap between the rail and the roof. They look sleek and modern and are common on newer vehicles. Roof bars for flush rails are designed to grip the rails snugly using custom-shaped rubber feet that match the rail profile. Some cars (like the Vauxhall Zafira) might look like they have flush rails, but actually hide mounting points inside, so it’s worth double-checking!
Raised roof rails
Raised rails are easy to spot, they run along the roof with a clear gap between the rail and the roof. This style is super straightforward to work with, especially on SUVs and estate cars. Roof bars usually clamp around the rail using strong rubber grips and pressure, making them one of the quickest and easiest systems to fit. Best of all, many raised rails are compatible with universal bar sets.
Different types of roof bars
If you do need roof bars fitting, there are a few different styles to choose from, each with their own strengths depending on your needs and budget. Here are the three most common types of roof bar:
Square bars
Square bars are the classic, basic option. They’re made from strong, durable steel and have a square profile. They’re tough, reliable, and usually the most affordable option. Great for occasional use or if you're just getting started with a roof box or bike rack.
Because of their shape, they can create more wind noise and drag, which might slightly affect your fuel efficiency. But if you’re on a budget and want something simple and effective, square bars do the job just fine.
Aero bars
Aero bars (short for aerodynamic bars) are designed with a sleek, oval shape, usually made from lightweight aluminium. Their smooth, curved design cuts through the air more efficiently, which means less wind noise and better fuel economy compared to square bars. They often look smarter too.
They’re a little pricier than square bars, but a great choice if you’ll be using them regularly, especially for long-distance travel.
Thule WingBars
Thule WingBars are a premium version of aero bars. They combine cutting-edge aerodynamic technology with stylish design. WingBars are the quietest, most fuel efficient, durable, and packed with features like T-track slots for easy accessory mounting.
WingBars are the most expensive of all the options but are designed with performance and durability in mind.
Assess weight limits
Most roof bars will list their maximum weight limit either on the packaging or in the instructions. At Halfords, our roof bar range can carry anywhere from 50kg to 100kg, depending on the model you choose.
However, it’s important to remember that your car’s roof also has its own weight limit, which is often lower than the bars themselves. Before you start loading up, be sure to check your vehicle’s manual to find out how much weight your roof can safely handle, including the weight of the bars and whatever you’re carrying.
Taking a few minutes to check this will help you stay safe and avoid any damage while you're on the road.
To find the right roof bars for your vehicle, simply enter in your vehicle registration number into our dedicated roof bars page. We’ll then categorise each option by which product will best fit your vehicle, the quietest option and a standard option.
Alternatively, you can book a free travel storage consultation with one of our experts in-store. Easily book an appointment online using the button below.
Book free travel storage consultation
Roof bar fitting
When you’ve found the right roof bars for your vehicle online, you’ll be asked to confirm your roof type, whether you require fixings and if you would like fitting included. If you select ‘yes’, a list of local stores will appear, and you can select the most convenient appointment for you. Once you’ve got your roof bars sorted, you can then pick a roof box option.
That concludes our steps to choosing the right roof bars. You can join the Halfords Motoring Club to save money on your roof bars, along with other motoring products and services. Click the button below to join the club!
Remember, there’s also the option to speak with our experts in-store to ensure you choose the best travel storage solutions for you and your vehicle.