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How to Fit Roof Bars Like a Pro — No Garage Needed
Roof bars are one of the most useful upgrades you can make to your vehicle — but if you’ve never fitted them before, the process can seem a bit daunting. Don’t worry. Whether you're mounting bars to roof rails, fixed points or a bare roof, this guide will show you how to install them yourself with minimal tools and zero stress.
🧰 What You’ll Need
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Your full roof bar kit (bar + foot pack + fitting kit)
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Hex key or Allen wrench (usually included)
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A tape measure
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Soft cloth or towel (to avoid scratches)
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Torque tool or spanner (if required)
🔗 Not sure what kit you need? Find bars for your vehicle here
🧱 Step-by-Step: Fitting Roof Bars (All Roof Types)
1. Clean the roof
Give your roof a wipe-down to remove dust and grit. This prevents scratches during fitting and ensures solid contact with mounting points.
2. Position the foot packs
Line up your foot packs based on the instructions supplied. If your car has fixed mounting points, align them exactly — no guesswork needed.
For cars with roof rails, you can usually slide the foot along the rail to adjust positioning.
3. Install the bars onto the foot packs
Slide the bars into the foot pack channels. Aluminium bars often have a T-track slot which may need a rubber insert removed during install.
Use the included tools to tighten the connection firmly, but don’t overtighten yet.
4. Measure for symmetry
Use a tape measure to ensure the bars are evenly spaced from left to right and front to rear — especially on bare roof or clamp-style kits.
Tip: Some vehicles recommend a specific distance between bars for best support — check your fitting instructions or message our support team.
5. Secure the fit
Tighten all bolts and clamps to the specified torque (usually 5-7 Nm). Lockable bars will click or snap into place when fully engaged.
Don’t forget to fit any end caps or covers once done — they protect the bar ends and keep things aerodynamic.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Over-tightening the clamps and damaging door seals
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❌ Uneven bar placement — can cause wind noise or instability
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❌ Forgetting to recheck tightness after 100 miles of driving
🔗 Related: How to Reduce Wind Noise from Roof Bars
🛒 Need a Roof Bar Kit That’s Easy to Fit?
Browse our vehicle-specific roof bar kits — each one includes full instructions, all hardware, and optional locking mechanisms. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.