Why Roof Racks Make Noise and How to Fix the Issue?

Roof racks on your vehicle solve so many storage problems. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a small city car, an SUV, or a Utility Vehicle, there’s always a need for more storage space. Roof racks significantly improve your storage and allow all kinds of items to be placed and transported.

If you have ever been driving a vehicle with a roof rack installed on top, you might have noticed that strange noise coming from it. At first, you had no idea what was happening. You might have thought it was coming from someone or something else on the road, but then you realized it was your vehicle.

Some people instantly panic thinking there’s something wrong with the vehicle, while others stop and start looking for solutions. However, when you’re on the road, you may only find momentary solutions that are not the best, and you’ll need to focus on the issue when you get home.

In this blog post, we’re talking more about roof racks and why they make strange noises. Keep reading to find out more about this and, of course, how to fix the issue.

When a roof rack bar begins to whistle or rattle during a drive, it can quickly ruin the comfort of your journey. These sounds often result from improper setup or aerodynamic interference, but rest assured—there are effective solutions. By learning why your rack makes strange sounds and how to mitigate this problem, you can enjoy a smoother, quieter ride and even improve fuel efficiency.

Common Causes of Roof Rack Noise

First things first - your roof rack won’t make noise if you’re driving slow, and if it is installed properly. We can install an enormous roof rack canopy that will not make any sound.

If you’ve been installing the roof rack on your own, you might have missed something, and now the loose parts squeak as the wheels drive over the uneven road. If the installation was proper, and there’s no issue there, your cabin should be quiet. Things may only change once you speed up, due to wind resistance.

Just like anything else that moves at great speeds, so does your car make noises. You can hear your wheels as they move fast over the asphalt, and your engine roars at high speeds too. However, we’re used to these sounds, as we hear them every time we get inside the car, but we’re not used to the noise the roof rack makes.

Many people are not comfortable listening to this as they are driving, so they want a solution. The reason your roof rack becomes loud is simple - the wind hits the roof rack, which is an additional part of your vehicle and is not perfectly aligned with the rest of the vehicle’s aerodynamics, so the resistance pushes the wind on the sides making that awkward sound.

Aside from these things, the items strapped on the roof rack might also make noise if the straps are loose. The wind will make the straps dance over your roof, hitting occasionally. Every impact will feel like someone threw a rock at you.

How to Stop Roof Rack Noise and the Best Solutions to Fix It

As we described the main issue is the wind and the resistance of the non-aerodynamic roof rack, the solution is clear - make this item more aerodynamic.

There are several ways to do this - some are highly professional, and others can be done as a simple DIY project. What you must do is avoid the wind effect, by installing either aerodynamic cross bars or adding a wind deflector at the front of the rack.

These two solutions will make the roof rack more aerodynamic and make the colliding air easily get around the rack and the items transported. This will instantly lower or entirely take out the noise, but more importantly, it will also reduce your gas bills.

Improper aerodynamics can significantly increase your vehicle’s gas consumption. It may seem like not a big deal, but if you often drive with the roof rack on, expect to stop at the gas station much more often than before. The roof racks, no matter how lightweight they are, will also add weight to your vehicle, making the engine try harder to reach the desired speeds, thus, consuming more fuel.

When you’re traveling long distances, and you need the roof rack for transporting items, you’ll calculate how much you’ll spend additionally, but if you want to save on your bills, don’t forget to remove the roof racks when you do not need them anymore.

Say Goodbye to Roof Rack Noise and Enhance Your Driving Experience/h2>

Through the years, car manufacturers invested a lot of time and resources in building vehicles that will have flawless aerodynamics. This is why most city cars look alike, while the design hasn’t changed significantly in decades.

When it comes to UTEs, caravans, and trucks, aerodynamics is not the main priority, but these vehicles also have certain improvements in the design that allows their drivers to enjoy the ride better and save some money on fuel.

If you’re thinking about a roof rack, you want to eliminate this problem right from the start. Installing wind deflectors in the front and aerodynamic roof rack bars will solve the problem and provide a carefree trip.

FAQs

Are certain roof racks quieter than others?

Yes, some roof racks are specifically designed with aerodynamics in mind. These options are shaped to allow air to flow smoothly over and around them, which helps prevent whistling. Always consider the size, profile, and included accessories like rubber inserts or wind deflectors when choosing a quieter system.

Can noisy roof rack damage my vehicle?

While noises alone can’t cause damage to your vehicle, it can indicate poor installation or loose parts. Over time, vibrations may affect the underside of your rack or cause friction against the vehicle’s roof. To prevent this, always follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual and ensure all fittings are tight and secure. Add rubber strips between the bar and vehicle if needed to reduce vibration and protect the finish.

Does removing the roof rack when not in use help?

Removing the rack when not carrying a load helps reduce wind drag, improves fuel efficiency, and eliminates unwanted sounds. If you’re not using your roof rack bars regularly, taking them off is one of the most effective solutions to also mitigate fuel costs.