Do you want to gain extra storage space? Pay attention to our guide to choose the best box for the roof of the car. Taking these parameters into account, you will be able to select the right one for your vehicle.

Whether your trunk is small or large, there are times when you need a dose of extra storage space. The solution is car roof boxes, which allow you to travel with all your belongings safely. If you have considered buying one for your vehicle, you should take into account a series of premises, since you will find many different models on the market.

Dimensions

Depending on the dimensions, these chests can increase the capacity of your boot up to an additional 200 liters.

When choosing a box for the car roof, it must adapt to the dimensions of the vehicle, both its shape and its size. The first thing to take into account is that it fits your vehicle model because if it does not fit correctly there is a greater risk of causing an accident. In addition to increasing fuel consumption.

Once you know the measurements of your car, you should think about the shape of the hood to choose the one that best suits the physiognomy of your vehicle. So in the market, you can find the following forms:

• short chests
• mixed chests
• long chests

The choice of one or the other will also depend on the type of objects you want to transport and their dimensions. It is not the same to choose a chest to transport clothes as one to carry sports equipment or the baby’s extra gadgets.

Aerodynamics

Getting the hood to fit perfectly with the vehicle will have a lot to do with its aerodynamics. If this matches that of your car, you will be able to drive in a safer, more aesthetic way and above all with lower fuel consumption.

The aerodynamics of the hood guarantees the least possible wind resistance, in addition to achieving a balance of the vehicle due to the changes in its center of gravity when carrying more weight.

Ability

Depending on your needs, you can purchase different roof boxes. You must be careful when choosing it since one with too much capacity for a small car can cause damage to the bodywork, especially if very heavy objects are transported.

When placing it in the car, think about the fact that the luggage must always be well secured and distributed so that the heaviest objects are placed in the center. On the other hand, the chest should not be forced to introduce luggage since you could cause an accident if it opens.

To always hit the capacity of the hood, you must look at the maximum authorized mass of your vehicle and not exceed it to drive safely.

Opening

As for the opening, you can find chests with lateral, bilateral, or rear openings. The most comfortable are the bilateral ones since they allow access to all luggage from both sides of the vehicle. Although they may not be very useful depending on the type of merchandise you are transporting.

Facility

You must bear in mind that whatever model you choose, your car must be equipped with roof rack bars so that the hood can be attached to them. You have to place the chest completely longitudinal to the march. Check if it is straight or not by moving 4 or 6 meters away to get a better perspective. In the market, you will find easy-to-install chests so that you can install them by yourself without the need for help.

Which are the best on the market?

Currently, you will find many models, made with different materials and with different functionalities. We show you some recommendations on the hoods with the best features that exist at the moment according to a study carried out by the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club: German Automobile Club) and the Stiftung Warentest (the German consumer organization).

Thule Motion XT L

This hood obtains, according to its evaluators, a final grade of 8.5 points out of 10 since it has a very good response on the road, avoiding vibrations and aerodynamic noises. In this way, the driver can travel in a much more comfortable way in his vehicle. The main drawback of this model is its price, 559 euros.

Kamei Oyster 450

It has a score of 8.2 out of 10 and its main drawback is that it cannot be purchased in Spain since its retailer does not distribute in our country. However, if you like this model you can buy it through Amazon. Among its benefits, its results in terms of safety stand out since it is one of the most resistant and safe against an impact in the event of an accident.

Norauto Bermuda 400

It is sold in the Norauto network of workshops so it is easy to find in Spain. This one is very affordably priced and scores 7.7 out of 10. The main problem is that it is not very safe in the event of an accident, but it will be ideal when you want to use it only sporadically.

Once the chest has been chosen and placed, you can start your journey, but remember that you have added an extra load to the vehicle, so you must modify your driving to avoid damaging your car and to drive safely.