A roof box can be a game-changer for family holidays, weekend adventures, and long-distance trips offering valuable extra storage and keeping your car interior clutter-free. But once your roof box is fitted and you're ready to hit the road, it’s important to understand how it affects your vehicle, your driving style, and your responsibilities as a road user.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, we help customers every day prepare for safer, smoother journeys. Here’s everything you need to know when driving with a roof box.
1. Safety First: What to Consider Before and During Your Journey
Driving with a roof box is perfectly safe when installed correctly but there are a few extra precautions to keep in mind.
✔️ Check Weight Limits
Every roof box and roof rack has its own maximum load capacity. Overloading can affect vehicle handling and braking.
Make sure to check:
🚗 The roof box limit 🚗 The roof bar limit 🚗 Your vehicle’s roof load limit
Always pack heavier items in the car and lighter items in the roof box.
✔️ Secure Your Load Properly
Loose items inside a roof box can shift while driving, causing instability. Use straps or pack items tightly to prevent movement.
✔️ Adjust Your Driving Style
With extra height and weight on top of your car:
🚗 Allow greater braking distances 🚗 Reduce speed on bends 🚗 Take care in strong winds 🚗 Avoid harsh acceleration
A roof box slightly raises your vehicle’s centre of gravity, so smoother driving is key.
✔️ Recheck Fixings Regularly
It’s good practice to check the roof box clamps and locks:
🚗 Before starting your journey 🚗 After driving for the first 20–30 miles 🚗 At every fuel stop on long trips
2. Fuel Consumption: What to Expect
A common question we hear at Midlands Roof Box Hire is: “Will a roof box increase my fuel usage?”
The short answer is yes, but usually only moderately and well worth the added space.
How a Roof Box Affects Fuel Efficiency
A roof box increases:
🚗 Wind resistance 🚗 Vehicle drag 🚗 Overall weight
Depending on your speed, this may result in 5–15% higher fuel consumption, with the greatest impact above 60 mph.
Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency
🚗 Remove the roof box when not in use 🚗 Drive at moderate speeds 🚗 Choose an aerodynamic roof box (all our hire boxes are streamlined for efficiency) 🚗 Pack lighter items overhead
A well-fitted, aerodynamic roof box can significantly reduce unnecessary drag.
3. Legal Considerations When Driving with a Roof Box
Driving with a roof box in the UK is completely legal but there are regulations you must follow.
✔️ Do Not Exceed Vehicle Height Limits
Your car is now taller. Be mindful of:
🚗 Car parks with height barriers 🚗 Garages 🚗 Drive-throughs 🚗 Ferry decks
Always check the new height before travelling.
✔️ Ensure Visibility
Roof boxes must not obstruct:
🚗 Your front view 🚗 Rear hatch operation 🚗 Any sensors or aerials (where possible)
✔️ Secure Loads in Line with the Law
It is your legal responsibility to ensure any load carried is:
🚗 Safe 🚗 Properly secured 🚗 Not likely to fall off
An unsecured roof box can lead to fines and dangerous situations for other road users.
✔️ Insurance Considerations
Some insurers require notification if you regularly use a roof box. While most don’t charge extra, it’s worth double-checking your policy.
4. The Benefits of Using a Roof Box
Despite the considerations, roof boxes are incredibly practical and offer major advantages:
🚗 Extra luggage capacity 🚗 Safer and more comfortable passengers 🚗 Better organisation on long journeys 🚗 Ideal for camping, skiing, and road trips 🚗 Reduces clutter inside the car
That’s why they’ve become one of the most popular travel accessories in the UK.
5. Why Hire from Midlands Roof Box Hire?
We provide:
🚗 High-quality, aerodynamic roof boxes 🚗 Professional fitting included 🚗 Flexible hire periods 🚗 Boxes suitable for all vehicle types 🚗 Friendly advice on safe usage
Whether you're heading on holiday or need more space for a special trip, we make the process simple and stress-free.
Hit the Road Safely with Midlands Roof Box Hire
With the right preparation, driving with a roof box is easy, safe, and incredibly convenient. Understanding how it affects your vehicle and driving style ensures a smooth journey from start to finish.
If you need help choosing the right roof box or want expert fitting, we’re here to help.
🌐 www.midlandsroofboxhire.co.uk
📞 07472 324071
<< Return to news