Roof Rail: from Function to Installation Tips to Keep Your Car Safe
Roof rail is a car accessory that can make the car look impressive compared to others that do not have it. However, there are some cars that are not equipped with this tool, so it must be installed independently.
Not only as an accessory to make the car look cool, roof rails also have functions beyond that. To know more details about roof rails, you can follow some explanations below.
Available in Two Types to Choose From
Roof rails have two well-known types, namely type C and flush mounted type. The second type usually attaches entirely to the roof of the car. There is no gap at all between them.
Type C is shaped like an archery bow. This type is installed with a gap so that the middle part has a cavity of several centimeters.
Multifunctional Roof Rail
As mentioned at the beginning, this tool has many functions, not just as an accessory to beautify the car's appearance. The most useful primary function is to support the roof rack and roof box, and these two items can serve as additional luggage on the roof of the car.
Usually, the installation of a roof rack or roof box is often done when the car is used for long trips and carrying a lot of luggage, such as during homecoming. This is where the presence of roof rails is very useful.
Can Be Purchased Separately and Installed Independently
Indeed, not all cars have roof rails for various reasons. This tool is considered an additional accessory, even though it has an undeniably important function.
If your car does not have built-in roof rails, you can buy them separately and install them yourself. For the right selection according to the type of car, pay attention not only to the type but also to its safety.
Also consider the material so that it can be durable and safe to use over a long period and on long journeys. The most crucial consideration is the purpose of installation.
If you only want to use it as decoration to make the car look more aesthetic, it is certainly different from the purpose for other functions. If you want it to carry additional items so that it can support the roof rack and roof box more strongly, you need to pay attention to how much weight it can bear.
Techniques for Installing Roof Rails
Taking care of a car is certainly not easy, right? Adding other accessories that are not built-in can actually ruin the car's appearance. Likewise with the installation of roof rails. You need to pay attention to it carefully.
There are several ways to install this tool that can be considered with the type of car you have. You can learn these techniques as a reference for choosing what is suitable for your car.
1. Drilled
The drilling technique is for roof rails made of iron and titanium. The material is so hard that it will not be strong if only clamped to the car body. The negative effect is that the car can experience leaks when it rains.
2. Clamped
The roof rail material is also iron, but it is not strong enough to hold heavy loads, so it is safe if the installation is only clamped to the car roof frame. However, the negative effect is that the car roof can bend due to the pull from the roof rail.
3. Glued
Another installation technique is by gluing it to the car roof. The adhesive used is usually a type of sealer because the roof rail is made of fiber and carbon fiber material. It is indeed lighter, but it cannot hold heavy loads like those made of iron or aluminum.
Well, those are some things you can learn about roof rails, from materials to installation techniques. The important thing is that there are two things to consider when installing roof rails for cars that do not have them built-in, namely the type of car and the purpose of installation.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa
