Do You Need Roof Bar Accessories for Short Trips?

You’ve got your roof bars fitted — but do you actually need accessories if you’re only making short trips?
The answer is: yes, but smartly chosen ones.

Even for short drives, the right add-ons can protect your car, gear, and fuel economy — and prevent common mistakes like damage, drag, or lost items.

Here’s what to consider.

🛑 Short Trips = Big Risks Without the Right Kit

Many drivers assume accessories are only for long-haul holidays or road trips. But even a short school run or a 15-minute DIY store dash can go wrong if:

• Loads aren’t secured

• Noise affects driving

• Roof bars scratch paint

• Fuel use spikes

Let’s break down the must-have accessories for short journeys.

🧳 1. Tie-Down Straps & Cargo Nets

Essential for short, local use — especially when transporting:

• Flat-pack furniture

• DIY materials (timber, piping)

• Sports gear (kayaks, SUPs, skis)

Even small items can shift dangerously during hard braking or cornering.

🔗 Shop Tie-Down Kits & Nets

💨 2. Wind Deflectors

Short drives at 30–50mph still produce roof drag — especially if your bars are unladen.

Benefits of deflectors:

• Reduce noise (especially whistling)

• Improve fuel efficiency

• Add a finished look to your setup

🔗 Read: How to Reduce Wind Noise from Roof Bars

🛡️ 3. Rubber Feet & Paint Protection Pads

Quick trips mean frequent loading/unloading — which often causes:

• Paint scratches

• Bar misalignment

• Rattling sounds

Anti-slip pads protect both your car’s paint and the integrity of your gear. They’re cheap insurance for any trip, long or short.

🔐 4. Roof Bar Locks

Heading to a retail park, gym, or the shops? You don’t want your roof bars or tent stolen.

Even 20 minutes unattended can be risky.

Locks are especially useful if:

• Your car is left outside

• You live in an urban area

• You’ve got modular accessories installed

🔗 See Locking Kits

🧠 5. Load Stops

For any load that might roll or shift sideways (like boxes or planks), load stops are critical.

✅ Prevent movement under braking
✅ Easy to reposition
✅ Work with most square or T-track bars

💡 What If You Drive Without Accessories?

If you leave your bars bare and unprotected:

• Your MPG may drop

• Noise levels rise

• You risk wear-and-tear on both bars and roof

• Your load could shift or come loose — even at low speeds

📚 Related Posts:

• Top Roof Bar Accessories for Everyday Use

• How to Choose the Right Roof Bar Accessories for Your Lifestyle

• Can You Use Roof Bars Without Roof Rails?

🔗 Useful Links:

• Browse Roof Bar Accessories

• Fitment Tool: Find Your Roof Bars

• Contact Us for Help