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How do you lock a roof rack to a car?
I just bought a roof rack for my SUV, so I can use it for luggage on an upcoming road trip. But I’m unsure how to attach it properly to my car. I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to be drilling holes in the roof, but how else am I supposed to make sure this thing stays on? How do you lock a roof rack to a car?
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re right—you’re not supposed to be drilling holes in the roof of your car! To lock a roof rack to a car is simple once you know how.
To install it properly, you’ll need a measuring tape, non-abrasive surface cleaner, screwdriver, scissors, and liquid soap. Then, open your car doors and follow these steps:
- Measure from the window pillar to the spot specified in your rack’s manual to determine where to situate the racks.
- Use the surface cleaner to clean the door sills at the measured points, then apply the supplied film to the door sills.
- Install the racks in line with the film, and tighten each of the four screws until you hear a click.
- Coat the interior of the T-joint liner with liquid soap and slide it into the top of each of the racks, cutting the excess off with scissors.
- Place the protective caps on each end of the racks, and lock it in place with the provided key.
And there you have it—securely installed and locked roof racks.
With a road trip coming up, you’ll be doing a lot of driving. So be sure to take a minute to double-check that you’re protected by great
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before you leave. Since you’ll be busy packing, let Jerry
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- Gregory R.
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