White ŠKODA on ice field with sled dogs.

Roof Rack Buyers Guide – Winter Edition

Find the best roof racks for your vehicle.

April 29, 2021/inCommunity

Now that the temperatures are cooling down, the ski fields are beckoning, and your snowboard looks at you longingly from the garage. You’ll want a proper roof rack set up, so follow these few simple tips to make sure yours is the tops.

ŠKODA Karoq SUV in snow with black roof box on roof.

Weight Matters.

Your vehicle, despite what you might think, cannot carry everything on top of its roof. Each vehicle has a weight limit that should absolutely be adhered to. Always check with your vehicle’s manual to determine how much it can carry, but standard passengers can typically handle between 50kg to 75kg on the roof, while commercial vehicles can sometimes carry 100kg to 200kg.

Keep in mind, that putting a bunch of weight on your vehicle’s ideal centre of gravity can affect crucial driving elements like stopping, corners, and make you more vulnerable to crosswinds. Plus, it makes you less aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.

While these warnings shouldn’t completely put you off a roof rack, they’re important to consider for your safety, as well as others on the road.

Consider Your Use.

Do you only need your roof rack in winter for downhill activities or are you looking for something that can carry into summer? While ski-specific roof racks are ideal for the mountain, you may want to consider more adjustable options that allow a combination of activities, or roof boxes for trips away.

You’ll also want to consider the access. Is it easy for you to clamber on top of your 4WD in sub-freezing temperatures to fetch your snowboard by yourself? If it’s too hard to use, you may not use it at all, rendering it useless.

ŠKODA roof rack close up with snowy mountains in the background.

Man in red puffer jacket standing on ŠKODA SUV door to access roof box, in a snowy landscape.

Lighter Materials Are Better

You’re going to burn more petrol carrying things on your roof, that’s just a matter of fact. What your roof racks are made of can affect this as well, so choose materials wisely. Aluminium racks are lighter than steel ones, which is great because we’re trying to lighten the load, remember?

ŠKODA driving away into a snowy mountain scene.

Don’t Skimp on Quality.

New Zealand’s windy roads and tight corners are hard enough to manoeuver without a loaded-down roof. From climbing steep ski field roads to fording rivers, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the road ahead, not watching your gear sliding into someone’s windshield behind. This is an accessory that’s not just for show.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, get in touch with our friendly Parts Team who are happy to assist you in finding the right roof rack for you.