Summer is here, and many of us are planning long road trips to enjoy nature and outdoor adventures. And what better way to do that than with your bicycle in tow? Before you hit the road, it is crucial to ensure your bikes are securely fastened. As RS Pro Auto experts, we know how important safety is on the road, so we have prepared a guide on how to safely mount bikes and roof racks for your next long journey.
Safe Roof Rack and Bike Mounting: What to Consider?
Roof racks are a popular choice for transporting bicycles as they free up interior space and do not block your rear view. However, mounting them requires careful attention.
Crossbar Tension: The Key to Stability
One of the most critical aspects is the correct tightening of the roof crossbars. Every roof rack manufacturer provides specific torque settings, usually found in the manual. Ignoring these instructions is dangerous:
- Loose fittings: Crossbars can shift or detach during travel, posing a massive hazard to you and other road users. Wind resistance at high speeds only exacerbates this risk.
- Over-tightening: You may damage the car’s roof rails, mounting points, or the rack itself. Some modern vehicle roofs have specific attachment points that are not designed to handle excessive stress.
Pro tip: Always use a torque wrench to ensure precise tension. If you don’t have one, ensure the fittings are firm but not over-tightened, and perform regular checks throughout your journey.
Aerodynamic Load and the Impact at 60 mph
Bikes on the roof significantly change your car’s aerodynamics. Even at 30-40 mph, wind resistance is noticeable, but at 60 mph (100 km/h), it increases exponentially. This means:
- Increased fuel consumption: Expect a significant rise in fuel costs, which can reach 20-30% depending on the number and shape of the bikes.
- Reduced stability: Your car may become more sensitive to crosswinds, especially when crossing bridges or overtaking large vehicles.
- Noise: Wind passing through bike frames and wheels will create additional noise inside the cabin.
Important: After mounting your bikes, take a short test drive at low speed. Listen for unusual noises and observe how the car handles. Double-check all fastenings before heading out. Remember your total vehicle height with bikes on top – this can cause major issues in parking garages or at gas stations with low overhangs.
Bicycle Racks on a Tow Hitch: Comfort and Legality
Rear-mounted bike racks that attach to your car’s tow hitch are becoming increasingly popular. They offer several advantages over roof racks:
- Easy loading: Bikes are much easier to mount and remove because they sit lower to the ground.
- Lower aerodynamic drag: The impact on fuel consumption is reduced as the bikes are located in the vehicle’s slipstream.
- No height restrictions: You won’t have to worry about underground parking garages or low tunnels.
Proper Mounting and Securing
While these racks are convenient, safe installation is just as important. Ensure the rack is securely attached to the hitch according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most modern racks have safety indicators that show whether they are locked correctly. Use all provided fasteners—frame clamps and wheel straps—to secure your bikes. Many racks also offer locks to protect against theft. Before every trip, verify that everything is tight and the bikes have no movement.
License Plates and Lighting: Legal Requirements
This is a crucial point often forgotten. Traffic regulations dictate that your car’s license plate and rear lights must be clearly visible. If your bike rack obscures them, you MUST use an auxiliary license plate and a light board.
- License plate duplication: If your rack hides your plate, you must obtain a secondary plate from your local motor vehicle authority and attach it to the rack.
- Lighting duplication: Most modern hitch-mounted racks include a light board covering brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights. Ensure this is correctly connected to your car’s electrical system and that all lights are functioning.
Consequences: Failing to comply with these requirements puts you at risk of fines and, more importantly, creates a dangerous situation where other drivers cannot see your braking or turning maneuvers.
General Tips for a Safe Journey
- Pre-trip checks:
- Tighten all fasteners if necessary.
- Ensure bikes are stable and immobile.
- Check all vehicle and rack lights.
- Check tire pressure—the extra weight requires slightly higher pressure (see your owner’s manual).
- Remove loose items from bikes (bottles, bags) that could fall off.
- Adjusting your driving style:
- Drive more calmly and avoid sudden braking or sharp maneuvers.
- Maintain a greater following distance.
- Adjust your speed, especially on curves and in windy conditions.
- Regular checks: During a long trip, stop every 2-3 hours to verify that all fastenings remain tight. Vibrations and wind can loosen even the most secure fittings.
- Anti-theft safety: Never leave bikes unattended for long periods. Use secondary locks for both the bikes and the rack if possible.
Traveling with bikes is a fantastic way to enjoy new places. However, safety must remain a priority. By following these tips, you can hit the road with peace of mind. If you do encounter an issue, such as a roadside flat tire, remember that RS Pro Auto is here to help 24/7.
Have a safe and pleasant journey with RS Pro Auto!