A roof rack is a system installed on the roof of a vehicle to safely transport external cargo. It is generally used to carry bulky items that don't fit in the trunk or inside the car, such as luggage, bicycles, surfboards, kayaks, or roof boxes.

In everyday language, yes, they are used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference:

• The roof rack, also known as a roof carrier, is the general term for the entire system.
• Roof bars are two crossbars that are mounted on top of the vehicle's roof. These form the base of the roof rack.
• A roof box is a hard, enclosed case that sits on top of the bars, protecting luggage from rain and wind.

No, roof racks are not universal, as each vehicle has a different roof mounting system — such as raised rails, fixed anchor points, and so on. Each car make and model requires a specific fitting kit. Don't worry though — on each used roof rack listing in our catalog, we specify the vehicle make and model it was originally fitted to.

There are three key factors to keep in mind:

• First and foremost is compatibility — make sure the model is compatible with the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
• It is very important to check the maximum load capacity, as it may not be suitable for the type of items you plan to carry.
• And of course, condition — but you don't need to worry about that last one, as we inspect all parts to ensure they are in perfect condition.

Just keep the following in mind:

• Never exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer, as doing so could damage your car's roof.
• When loading items, distribute them evenly, placing heavier objects in the center and lighter ones to the sides.
• The load must always be secured with straps or nets to prevent it from shifting or falling while driving.

It may surprise you, but buying this part new can take a significant chunk out of your monthly budget. So why not buy a used roof rack? Not only will you save money, but you'll also be promoting product reuse and reducing waste.

Absolutely — it's not a complicated part to fit. All you need is a roof rack mounting kit and to follow the steps included with it.

Yes, there is:

• Cars with roof rails already have the longitudinal bars installed from the factory, which simplifies the installation of the crossbars.
• Cars without roof rails require a specific mounting kit, which attaches to the bodywork at the designated anchor points.

That depends on the part, but as a general rule stock tends to be limited, as we continuously replenish it as we process the vehicles that arrive at our salvage yard.