Car owners opting for outdoor trips usually use rooftop cargo carriers. They also use roof racks for setting up such carriers. You would not want your car roof rack to be stolen, surely. For that, you have to adopt the necessary safety measures.
What is a Car Roof Rack?
A roof rack attaches to your vehicle’s roof directly. It is handy for carrying things like ski and kayaks. The roof rack holds things well in place and offers you extra storage space. What can’t fit inside the boot can be tied atop the racks.
The roof racks can be set atop the car roof using some methods. There are models that can be set up using bolts while others are set up with straps. However, some racks can be used with both mechanisms for additional stability and safety. Most such roof racks come with varying types of hooks.
While you may think these bolts, and straps will keep the roof rack secure, the reality is you need additional safety measures to thwart the thieves.
How To Stop Thieves From Running Away With Your Roof Rack
Here are the tips to ensure your car roof rack stays safe from thieves:
Install A Security Camera
To ensure thieves think twice before trying to steal your car roof rack, set up a security cam on the car roof. It can be used along with an additional lock for the roof rack. This also helps you track people who try to steal the roof rack.
Buy Models with Embedded Locks
Some roof rack models ship with an in-built locking mechanism. Such roof racks are difficult to steal, for sure.
Use an Alarm
Alarm clocks are not only useful to make you wake up early in the morning. You may buy an alarm that gets activated the moment someone lays his hands on the car roof. There are sensor-based alarms that go off on such events automatically. This will make the thief run away immediately.
Buying a Lock
You may also buy an extra lock for your car roof rack. Cheap padlocks are there but you can also opt for more advanced units. Ensure you get a sturdy unit.
Color the Rack
You may use a loud and garish colour on your car roof rack. This will make it less viable to the thieves.
Use a Tracking Device
This is useful when you want to track down the thieves who manage to run away with your car roof rack. It is better if the tracking device is small and it is set up on the rack in such a way that it does not get noticed easily.
Remove The Roof Rack As Per The Need
It would be a wise move to remove the car rack if you won’t need to use it for some time. Then you will not have to think about theft risks. Besides, the fuel economy of the car will be improved. Of course, when you will need to use it again, setting it up will be necessary.
Summing it up
There are some car accessory thieves who will not be deterred by anything. However, that does not mean you should not take up measures to bolster the safety of the car roof rack! Use one or more of the above-mentioned tips to ensure your roof rack becomes really hard to steal.
