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How to Reduce Wind Noise from Roof Bars
You’ve fitted your roof bars, hit the road — and suddenly there’s a whistling noise coming from above. Sound familiar?
Roof bar wind noise is one of the most common annoyances drivers face, especially on motorways.
The good news? It’s easy to fix with the right setup and a few simple tricks. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reduce — or even eliminate — wind noise from your roof bars.
🌬️ Why Do Roof Bars Make Noise?
Wind noise is caused by air hitting the roof bars at high speeds and being forced around sharp edges or gaps. It’s more noticeable when:
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Bars are not aerodynamic
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Rubber strips or covers are missing
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Bars are placed unevenly or too far forward
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There’s no load (i.e. bars are empty)
🛠️ How to Fix or Reduce Wind Noise
✅ 1. Use Aerodynamic Bars
Aluminium bars with a wing-style profile (like Thule WingBar or Cruz Airo) are much quieter than square steel bars.
✅ 2. Install Rubber Insert Strips
If your bars have a T-track slot, make sure it’s filled with the rubber insert supplied in your kit. Gaps here act like flutes — and whistle!
If they’re missing or damaged, replacements are available in our Accessories section.
✅ 3. Adjust Bar Position
Try moving the bars slightly forward or backward. Even small adjustments can disrupt airflow and reduce noise.
Tip: Ensure bars are evenly spaced and parallel — uneven placement increases drag and noise.
✅ 4. Add a Wind Deflector
For vehicles with rails or fixed mounts, a wind deflector (also called a fairing) helps redirect airflow and dramatically cuts noise — especially at motorway speeds.
We’ll be adding these to MyRoofBars.co.uk soon.
✅ 5. Remove Bars When Not in Use
No gear on top? Remove the bars when they’re not needed.
It’s the easiest way to eliminate noise, save fuel, and reduce wear.