The installation of car roof racks is not to be taken lightly. It is essential to follow relevant laws and regulations strictly, as failure to do so may not only result in penalties but also pose a significant safety risk. According to China's "Motor Vehicle Operation Safety Technical Conditions," buses longer than 7.5 meters and all school buses are prohibited from having exterior roof racks. For other buses that do require them, the height of the rack must be less than or equal to 300mm, and its length should not exceed one-third of the vehicle's length. This regulation ensures the overall safety and stability of the vehicle, preventing a large roof rack from negatively affecting the vehicle's handling performance.
The "Regulations on the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" clearly states that passenger vehicles are not permitted to carry cargo on the roof rack or in external or internal luggage compartments. When carrying items, the height of the load from the roof should not exceed 0.5 meters, and from the ground, it should not exceed 4 meters. This height restriction is intended to prevent the load from interfering with the vehicle’s clearance, ensuring the vehicle can safely pass under bridges, power lines, or other obstacles.
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For vehicles that have already been registered, if a small or micro passenger car installs a roof rack without altering the body structure and ensuring safety, the owner must apply to the local vehicle management authority for a registration update within 30 days of the modification. This ensures accurate vehicle information and helps traffic authorities maintain proper oversight.
During installation, owners should select a roof rack that is compatible with their vehicle and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Prior to installation, clean the roof to remove dust, dirt, and oil, ensuring a clean and dry surface. For better adhesion, alcohol may be used to further clean the area. When installing the rack, ensure that the position is correct, typically aligning it along the vehicle's longitudinal centerline, ensuring symmetry on both sides. Use measuring tools like a tape measure to make precise measurements and markings. When installing the supports and crossbars, ensure the screws are tightly secured to avoid any looseness. Once installed, carefully check the stability of the rack to ensure all components are tightly secured without any wobbling or movement.
The load capacity of a car roof rack is not fixed and varies based on the vehicle model, material, design, and installation method. For standard vehicles, the load capacity typically ranges from 50 to 150 kilograms. For example, the Li L7 roof rack can carry a maximum of 75 kg, while the Volkswagen Touran can carry about 40 kg. Some higher-end SUVs and off-road vehicles may support higher loads, with the Toyota Highlander roof rack capable of handling between 100-150 kg under normal conditions.
Different materials also affect load capacity significantly. Aluminum alloy racks typically offer a good balance of strength and lightweight properties, making them a popular choice for roof racks. For instance, the aluminum alloy roof rack on the Li L7 can support up to 75 kg. However, some components that look like roof racks may only be decorative and cannot bear weight, so buyers should be careful to verify the specifications before purchasing.
The installation method also affects the load capacity. Roof racks mounted on the vehicle's longitudinal rails generally have a rated load of around 75 kg. However, if the installation is not done correctly, or if the rack is not compatible with the vehicle, the load capacity can be significantly reduced, leading to potential risks of looseness or even detachment during use.
Owners should consult their vehicle’s manual or the dealer to understand the exact load capacity of their roof rack and plan the weight of the cargo accordingly. It is safer to keep the weight within the rack's rated load range. Also, the load should be distributed evenly across the rack to prevent excessive localized pressure that could cause deformation.
The stability of a roof rack at high speeds is critical for driving safety. To ensure the roof rack remains secure during high-speed driving, it undergoes professional stability testing.
Stability testing includes both static and dynamic tests. Static tests check the firmness of the roof rack when the vehicle is stationary by applying external forces to see if the rack loosens or deforms. For example, in a test with the Toyota Highlander, when the roof rack carries a certain weight, its stability is observed to assess whether it deforms under load.
Dynamic tests simulate real driving conditions, testing the rack's stability at different speeds. For example, in a test with the Highlander's roof rack, it was found that at speeds of 60, 80, and 100 km/h, the rack performed well with a load of 100 kg, showing no signs of shaking or unusual noise, indicating good dynamic stability at that load range.
In addition to professional testing, owners can perform simple checks before using the rack. For instance, they can gently shake the rack to see if it moves or feels loose. During driving, they should also observe whether the cargo is secure and whether there is any risk of it falling off due to bumps or sudden braking. If any stability issues are detected, it’s important to repair or replace the rack to ensure safety.
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