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Do I Need Locks for My Roof Bars? (And Why It’s Worth It)
If you’ve just bought a new set of roof bars, or you’re planning to, you might be wondering — do I really need locks? Are they just an upsell, or do they actually offer protection?
The truth is, if your gear is valuable — or even just vulnerable — locks are one of the smartest and most affordable upgrades you can make. Here's why.
🔐 What Do Roof Bar Locks Actually Do?
Roof bar locks typically secure:
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The foot packs to your car’s mounting points (rails, door frames, etc.)
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The bars to the foot packs
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Any accessories (like bike racks or roof boxes) mounted via T-track slots or clamps
They prevent easy removal by anyone without the key — whether that’s a thief or just someone with the same fitting kit.
🚫 What Happens Without Locks?
If your bars aren’t locked:
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They can be removed in minutes with a basic tool
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They’re a target for opportunistic theft, especially at motorway services, trail car parks, and residential streets
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You may not be covered by insurance if they’re stolen without being locked
👉 Some insurers require proof of a locking system to cover theft of roof bars, roof boxes, or bikes.
✅ When Are Locks Essential?
We always recommend locks if:
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You leave the car parked in public places regularly
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You're carrying high-value gear like bikes, tents, or tools
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You’re travelling or camping overnight
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You want peace of mind during long-term use
🔗 Explore our Roof Bar Security Accessories to upgrade your setup.
🔒 What Kind of Locking Systems Are Available?
At MyRoofBars.co.uk, many of our kits come with integrated locks or offer them as add-ons:
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Thule One-Key Systems: Match multiple accessories to a single key
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Farad & Cruz Lock Kits: Affordable and easy to use
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Clamp-Style Lockable Foot Packs: Secure bare-roof setups directly
Not sure if your kit supports locks? Contact us — we’ll check compatibility for you.
🧠 Pro Tip: Recheck Your Locks After Installation
Once fitted, give the key a turn and make sure:
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The locking mechanism engages smoothly
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The keys are stored safely (or duplicated)
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You recheck the tightness after ~100 miles
🛠️ Lost a key? Many brands offer replacement keys by code — just ask.