Understanding Roof Rails: A Guide for Indian Car Owners

Roof rails in cars are bar structures attached to the edges of a car’s roof that run along the length of your vehicle. They are sturdy and add versatile features to your car. These are primarily used for adding extra luggage to your car while you go for long road trips with family and friends or adventure trips that need you to carry heavy equipment.

They are commonly found on SUVs or crossovers in India and some cars have them readily equipped while buying them from a showroom. Based on its use and requirements, they are available in two different configurations:

Flush: These are lower in height and as installed closer to the surface of the roof. These are a great option when you need to attach roof bars for cars with rails. Moreover, they may also require additional components or containers if you wish to carry certain gears.

Raised: These roof rails are installed an inch or two above the surface of the roof. These are generally temporary attachments but affect the car’s fuel economy by increasing the drag. However, these offer more benefits and can be used for more purposes than the flushed configuration rails.

Roof rails can be a great addition and add convenience to your trips and tours. It can benefit these groups the most:

Frequent Travellers: If you go on long road trips or holidays, you are bound to require more luggage than usual. In that case, a car with roof rails can be beneficial for carrying the extra luggage.

Adventure and Sports Enthusiasts: If you love to go on adventurous trips like camping, hiking or cycling, rail racks can be a valuable addition to your car while carrying camping equipment or cycles.

Trade Professionals: Trade professionals usually carry heavy and bulky equipment for their contract projects. Roof rail in cars can be most beneficial for them to carry them with ease.

Travellers with a big family: If you have a big family, travelling in a seven-seater might not provide enough space for everyone’s luggage. The extra space can help you carry stuff for everyone.

While cars with roof rails have multiple benefits to a range of travellers, they come with a fair share of disadvantages and advantages. Let us discuss them below:**

Advantages of Rail Roof Rack

Extra Storage Space: It gives you added space for extra bulky luggage that does not fit in the car’s cargo compartment while you travel with a big group or plan a long road trip.

Versatile: The robust structure of roof bars for cars with rails makes these attachments a versatile addition to your vehicle. You can use them to load a variety of items such as extra bags, kayak & canoe racks, a bicycle, large wooden sheets & materials, ski racks, etc.

Easy Installation and Removal: These rails are easy to install and remove. This gives you a choice to install them only when needed and remove them otherwise.

Better Transportation: They are the best aids while transporting heavy material from one point to another. They can come in handy while shifting your furniture, moving your bicycle, carrying out deliveries, etc.

Disadvantages of Rail Roof Rack

Noisy: These instalments are incredibly beneficial, but they are noisy. If you are driving at a high speed on a highway, their whistling or humming noises can create annoyance during long trips.

Lowers fuel economy: Since rail roof racks add weight and are susceptible to wind resistance, it negatively affects the car’s fuel efficiency. This can particularly affect your travel budget, making it a costly choice.

Too heavy for small cars: They can be a great addition to bigger cars like SUVs or even bigger ones. They will have comparatively less impact on fuel consumption and incur lesser damage (if any). However, they can act as a burden for smaller cars as they can be heavy along with added luggage.

Wobbly effect: Whether you opt for permanent or temporary rails, they can cause trouble while driving at higher speeds. They can wobble and cause inconvenience while making turns, driving fast or in windy conditions.

Since there are a few side-effects of having roof rails in cars, it is best that you consider these factors before installing rails to minimise the likelihood of incurring losses:

• Before installing rails, assess what its purpose is and what you need to transport. So, ensure that it is compatible with your requirements and can be altered as per your needs.

• Ensure that they have tie-downs to secure your luggage or gear.

• Ensure that your rail roof rack is compatible with your car and fits perfectly to minimise the wobbly effect.

• Choose a rail rack that is not too heavy for your car and can be attached to it perfectly.

• Before you buy a roof rail, check its usability and make sure that it is easy to use.

• Choose an attachment that is easy to attach and detach as per your requirements.

• Lastly, ensure that they come with easy installations and do not need expert handling with every attachment and detachment.

While there are numerous advantages of car roof rails, we cannot deny their cons and potential risks while driving at higher speeds and longer distances. Here are some of the risks associated with roof rail in cars:**

Accidental Damage: Adding an accessory like a roof rail in cars requires more vigilance and improved judgement while passing through a low bridge or a parking garage. It is more susceptible to incurring damages to itself as well as the car.

Instability While Driving: When you are driving on a highway and at a speed of 100 kmph, the added luggage and the rails cause a wobbly effect on the car. This poses a greater risk and may expose you and your car to higher chances of accidental damage.

Increased Risk of Theft: When your luggage is put on display by tying it on the roofs of your cars, it can attract theft crimes more than usual.

To deal with the financial implications of damage due to situations like these, opt for insurance from a reliable insurer that offers you the flexibility to include accessories in your policy. Tata AIG offers comprehensive car insurance coverage that offers coverage like theft and accidental damage, ensuring that you and your car are well-protected.

Additionally, you can cover other impacts, such as engine damage, car structural damage, etc., by opting for our comprehensive four-wheeler insurance. You can do that by choosing from our add-ons like zero dep insurance, loss of personal belongings, engine secure, roadside assistance, etc.

Car roof rails can be the most beneficial investment if you love travelling longer distances with a big group or go on adventure sports trips. They offer many advantages, such as providing you with extra storage, versatility, better transportation, etc.

However, it is important to consider some crucial factors and their cons before you get roof rail racks installed. If you choose to invest in it, enhance your car’s security by covering additional perils by opting for our comprehensive four-wheeler insurance policy. You can easily complete a purchase or car insurance renewal online on our website with just a few clicks.

Does installing roof rails affect car insurance premiums?

Depending on your insurance provider, installing a roof rail in a car may result in an increase in your premium rates.

Is it illegal to install car roof rails in India?

No, it is not illegal to get luggage carriers. However, it is important that you understand the rules related to this, which are listed in the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988.