Can a Roof Rack Be Installed on a Sedan?
2 Answers
It is possible to install a roof rack on a sedan. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 54, the height of cargo loaded on the roof rack of a passenger vehicle must not exceed 0.5 meters from the top of the vehicle. Additionally, the load must not exceed the maximum carrying capacity specified in the vehicle's registration certificate, and the length and width of the cargo must not extend beyond the vehicle body. Further details are as follows: 1. For heavy and medium-duty trucks and semi-trailers, the height of the cargo must not exceed 4 meters from the ground, and for vehicles transporting containers, the height must not exceed 4.2 meters. 2. For other motor vehicles carrying cargo, the height must not exceed 2.5 meters from the ground. 3. For motorcycles, the height of the cargo must not exceed 1.5 meters from the ground, and the length must not exceed the body by more than 0.2 meters. For two-wheeled motorcycles, the width of the cargo must not extend more than 0.15 meters beyond the handlebars on either side. For three-wheeled motorcycles, the width of the cargo must not exceed the width of the body. 4. Passenger vehicles are not allowed to carry cargo except on external roof racks or in built-in luggage compartments. The height of cargo on the roof rack of a passenger vehicle must not exceed 0.5 meters from the top of the vehicle or 4 meters from the ground.
You can absolutely install a roof rack on a sedan – I've done it twice myself. But it depends on your car's roof design. Some models come with pre-drilled mounting points from the factory, making installation a breeze. If there are no mounting points, you'll need to choose a rack that clamps onto the door frames with brackets, though you should be careful not to damage the weather stripping. The key is to select a rack that's compatible with your specific car model and to keep the weight under control. After installation, test for any unusual noises. A properly installed roof rack is indeed practical – it easily accommodates two extra suitcases for road trips, though you'll notice increased wind noise at highway speeds and a fuel consumption increase of about 0.5 liters per 100 km. Regular checks of bolt tightness are essential.
