Uphill with the slats: sports equipment in the roof box
If there is no more room for skis and snowboards inside the car, they can be stowed on the roof. However, make sure they are sufficiently secure.
If you load your skis, snowboard, bike in summer or even your Christmas tree onto the roof of your car for transportation, you don't have to deal with snow residue and the like in the interior - and from a safety point of view, transportation on the roof is better. But: even when transporting on the roof, there must be no safety problems.
Comply with the roof load
It is therefore essential to observe certain regulations. For example, the height of the car with a roof load must not exceed four meters, and the permissible roof load specified in the vehicle registration document must not be exceeded. The weight of a roof rack or roof box must be taken into account. In addition, the roof load must not protrude beyond the width of the vehicle, and the protrusion to the rear must not exceed one meter without marking. If objects transported on the roof are covered with a tarpaulin, this must not flutter during the journey.
The manufacturers of carrier systems generally specify a recommended maximum speed. Although there is no legal regulation on the maximum speed with a roof load, the speed must be adapted to the road, traffic and weather conditions. Transport aids and other equipment are available from accessory dealers and, of course, from many garages such as carXpert partners - and garages are also the right place to get further tips on purchase and use.
Changed driving behavior
It must be borne in mind that the roof load has an effect on the vehicle. The correct tire pressure, for example, depends on the weight of the vehicle, among other things. It should therefore be increased when fully loaded, because if the air pressure is too low, the tires will suffer, driving stability may be poorer and the braking distance longer. In addition, tire wear and fuel consumption are negatively affected. However, the driving characteristics also change when the vehicle is fully loaded. For example, the raised position of the center of gravity due to a roof load has a negative impact on cornering and braking. In addition, a roof box projecting forwards over the windshield can generate a lot of lift at higher speeds, which on the one hand puts a strain on the roof box mount and on the other hand can have a lasting negative effect on stability during steering and evasive maneuvers.
The carXpert network
The name says it all: Behind the name carXpert is a Switzerland-wide network of over 280 independent quality garages and over 40 independent body stores - all experts for your car. In these multi-brand garages, every car feels at home with the qualified specialists because it is serviced and repaired according to the manufacturer's instructions with original equipment parts - guaranteed to keep the warranty! The premium network offers the highest level of expertise and service quality as well as, for example, assistance and used car warranties. The carXpert partners are also ideal contacts for topics such as vacation checks and starter batteries! Many offer a vacation check at reasonable fixed prices. This usually involves checking the starter battery. If a replacement is required carXpert partner a wide range from economy to high-tech premium batteries. carxpert.ch
*The content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.
