Roof bars are one of the most useful upgrades you can add to your vehicle. Whether you’re carrying bikes, luggage boxes, camping gear, or DIY materials, roof bars give you the extra space you need without filling up your car interior.

In this guide from FIXRA, we’ll walk you through how to fit roof bars safely and correctly, even if you’ve never done it before.

What Are Roof Bars?

Roof bars (also called cross bars) are horizontal bars that attach to the roof of your car. They create a stable base for carrying extra loads such as:

• Roof boxes
• Bikes
• Kayaks
• Ladders
• Camping gear
• DIY materials

They are essential for road trips, outdoor adventures, and anyone who needs extra storage space.

Travelling and Road Trips: Why Roof Bars Are Essential

Roof bars are especially useful when travelling long distances or going on road trips. They allow you to maximise storage space and keep the car interior comfortable for passengers.

With roof bars installed, you can:

• Use a roof box to carry suitcases and travel gear
• Free up legroom inside the vehicle for long journeys
• Separate wet, dirty, or bulky items from the cabin
• Carry outdoor equipment such as bikes, tents, or surfboards
• Pack more efficiently for family holidays or group travel

For road trips, proper weight distribution is important. Place heavier items in the roof box centrally and avoid overloading one side. Always check your vehicle’s maximum roof load limit before setting off.

Roof bars also make long journeys more organised and reduce clutter inside the car, improving comfort and safety for all passengers.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Roof bar kit (compatible with your vehicle)
• Instruction manual
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver or Allen key
• Soft cloth to protect paintwork

Recommended Accessories for Roof Bars

Once your roof bars are installed, you can expand their usefulness with practical carrying accessories that make travel, holidays, and outdoor activities much easier. Two popular options are a water-resistant roof cargo carrier and a cycle carrier.

Water Resistant Roof Cargo Carrier

A water-resistant roof cargo carrier is a soft or semi-rigid storage bag that attaches securely to your roof bars. It is designed to protect your belongings from rain, wind, and road spray while increasing your overall storage capacity.

Key benefits include:

• Extra storage space for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment
• Water-resistant material helps protect items from wet weather conditions
• Flexible design that can fit different load sizes
• Easy to install and remove when not in use
• Ideal for family holidays or long road trips where boot space is limited

When using a cargo carrier, always ensure it is evenly packed and properly secured to the roof bars. Avoid overloading and make sure all straps are tightly fastened to prevent movement during driving.

Maypole Foxbat Single Cycle Carrier

The Maypole Foxbat Single Cycle Carrier is a roof-mounted bike carrier designed to safely transport one bicycle using your roof bar system. It is a popular choice for cyclists who want a simple and reliable way to carry their bike without needing a rear-mounted rack.

Key benefits include:

• Securely holds one bicycle in an upright position
• Compatible with most standard roof bar systems
• Adjustable frame clamps for different bike sizes
• Wheel straps to keep the bike stable during travel
• Lightweight and easy to install or remove

When fitting a cycle carrier, always check that the bike is tightly secured at both the frame and wheels before setting off. It is also important to ensure the added height is considered when entering car parks or low-clearance areas.

Step 1: Check Your Vehicle Type

Not all roof bars fit every car. You need to identify your roof type:

• Bare roof (no rails) – requires clamp-style roof bars
• Raised roof rails – easier installation, bars clamp directly on
• Flush roof rails – requires specific fitting system
• Fixed mounting points – bolt-on system

Always confirm compatibility before installation.

Step 2: Measure and Position the Bars

Correct positioning is important for balance and safety.

• Place the front bar roughly above the B-pillar (between front and rear doors)
• Position the rear bar around 70–90 cm behind (check manufacturer guidance)
• Ensure both bars are perfectly parallel

Incorrect spacing can affect stability and driving performance.

Step 3: Attach the Roof Bar Feet

This is where the bars connect to your vehicle.

• Loosely attach the mounting feet to the bars
• Position them according to your roof type
• Use rubber pads between metal parts and the roof to prevent damage

Do not fully tighten yet, as adjustments may be needed.

Step 4: Secure the Bars to the Roof

Now attach the system to the car:

• Place the bars onto the roof rails or mounting points
• Align both sides evenly
• Tighten clamps or bolts gradually, alternating sides
• Ensure a firm grip without over-tightening

Over-tightening can damage paintwork or roof rail systems.

Step 5: Check Alignment and Stability

Before driving:

• Shake the bars gently to confirm they are secure
• Ensure both bars are level
• Check all clamps and locks are fully engaged
• Confirm rubber pads are correctly positioned

A properly fitted roof bar system should feel completely solid.

Step 6: Test Before Full Use

Before loading anything heavy:

• Take a short test drive
• Listen for movement or wind noise
• Recheck tightness after the first trip

Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Never exceed your vehicle’s roof load limit
• Distribute weight evenly across both bars
• Check tightness before long journeys
• Remove roof bars when not in use to improve fuel efficiency
• Avoid sudden braking with heavy roof loads

What Can You Carry with Roof Bars?

Once installed, roof bars unlock many possibilities:

• Roof boxes for holidays
• Bikes for weekend trips
• DIY materials such as timber or pipes
• Sports and outdoor equipment

Final Thoughts

Fitting roof bars is straightforward when done carefully and with the right equipment. Most installations can be completed in under 30 minutes.

At FIXRA, we aim to make DIY and automotive upgrades simple, safe, and accessible for everyone.