If you're looking to add a roof rack system to your car for transporting bikes, skis, kayaks, or other gear, Summit Bars are a popular choice. They're known for their durability, versatility, and sleek design. However, finding the right size and fit for your specific vehicle can be a bit confusing if you’re new to the process.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to determine which Summit Bars fit your car, ensuring you get the right setup for your needs.

What Are Summit Bars?

Summit Bars are crossbars designed to be mounted on your car's roof, providing a platform for roof-mounted accessories like bike racks, cargo boxes, and more. These bars can be attached to a variety of roof rack systems, typically using either a fixed point or raised rails, depending on the vehicle’s design.

Summit Bars come in different shapes, sizes, and mounting options, so selecting the right one for your car is crucial for both safety and functionality.

Step 1: Identify Your Car’s Roof Type

The first thing you need to know is what type of roof your vehicle has, as this will determine the type of roof rack system and Summit Bars you need. Most vehicles fall into one of these categories:

1. Factory-installed Rails (Raised or Flush)

Raised rails are elevated above the roofline, usually with a gap between the roof and the rail.

Flush rails are attached directly to the roof without a gap.

For these types of roofs, Summit Bars typically require a specific mounting system like a rail clamp or an adapter designed for your vehicle.

2. Fixed Points

Some cars have built-in fixed mounting points on the roof, which are designed to accept a roof rack. These are often hidden beneath plastic covers or trim.

You’ll need Summit Bars that are compatible with fixed points, which generally come with adjustable feet to fit different vehicles.

3. Bare Roof

If your vehicle doesn’t have rails or fixed points, you’ll need a clamp-on or mount-on system that attaches directly to the roof.

These Summit Bars come with adjustable clamps that attach to the doorframe or other parts of the car’s roof.

4. Panoramic or Special Roofs

Vehicles with a panoramic sunroof or other special roof designs may require a special roof rack kit designed for these unique configurations. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for compatibility.

Step 2: Measure Your Roof Dimensions

Once you’ve identified the type of roof your vehicle has, the next step is to measure your roof to determine the correct length and width of the crossbars.

Here’s how to measure:

• Width: Measure the width of your roof from one side to the other, at the points where the bars will attach.
• Length: Measure the distance between the points where the crossbars will mount (e.g., the roof rails, fixed points, or doorframe).

For vehicles with raised or flush rails, you will likely need to know the distance between the rails, as Summit Bars are designed to fit this span. For fixed point or bare roof systems, you’ll need to measure the mounting points and check for compatibility with the bar's fitment system.

Step 3: Use Roofboxed.com’s Search Function

Once you’ve got the basic details of your car’s roof, a great resource for quickly finding the right Summit Bars is Roofboxed.com. Roofboxed offers a powerful search function that allows you to easily find roof racks and crossbars that are compatible with your vehicle.

How to Use Roofboxed’s Search Function:

1. Visit Roofboxed.com: Go to the Roofboxed website.
2. Enter Your Vehicle Details: Input your vehicle’s make, model, and year into the search tool.
3. Browse Compatible Options: Roofboxed will provide a list of compatible roof racks and Summit Bars based on your car’s specifications. The tool takes into account factors like roof type (e.g., rails, fixed points, bare roof), as well as specific measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Check Accessories: In addition to Summit Bars, you can also explore compatible roof accessories such as bike racks, cargo boxes, and more.

Roofboxed.com’s fitment tool helps you avoid the guesswork and ensures that the Summit Bars you choose are the best match for your vehicle.

Step 4: Choose the Right Summit Bar Style

Summit Bars come in a few different styles, and choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and the type of gear you plan to carry. Some common options include:

1. Standard Summit Bars

Great for everyday use and can handle a variety of attachments like bike racks, cargo boxes, and roof baskets.

They offer a balance of strength and aerodynamics.

2. Aerodynamic Summit Bars

These bars are designed with an aerodynamic shape to reduce wind drag and noise. Ideal for those who want to keep fuel efficiency in mind while still having a functional roof rack.

3. Heavy-Duty Summit Bars

If you plan on carrying heavy gear like a rooftop tent or large cargo box, a heavy-duty bar might be necessary. These bars are made from stronger materials and designed to carry more weight.

Make sure the style of Summit Bars you choose matches both your car’s fitment requirements and the type of gear you intend to transport.

Step 5: Installation

Once you have the correct Summit Bars, it’s time to install them. Most Summit Bars come with detailed installation instructions, but here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Attach the Mounting Feet: If your bars are designed for raised rails, fixed points, or a bare roof, attach the appropriate mounting feet to the bars.
2. Position the Bars: Place the bars on your vehicle and make sure they’re evenly spaced according to the measurements you took earlier.
3. Tighten the Mounts: Use the provided tools to securely tighten the mounting system to your car. Be sure not to overtighten, as this could damage the roof or the bars.
4. Check for Stability: After installation, give the bars a good shake to ensure they’re securely mounted. Double-check that all fasteners are tight.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Once your Summit Bars are installed, it’s a good idea to test the fit and load capacity with your gear. Ensure the bars are positioned correctly, and check that your load is evenly distributed. This will help prevent damage to your car or the gear you're transporting.

Conclusion

Finding the right Summit Bars for your car is an essential step in creating a safe and effective roof rack system. By following the steps outlined in this guide—identifying your roof type, measuring your roof dimensions, consulting fitment guides, using Roofboxed.com’s search tool, choosing the right bar style, and properly installing your bars—you can be confident that your Summit Bars will fit your vehicle and serve your transportation needs.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend adventure or just need extra cargo space, choosing the right Summit Bars will