People have been attaching ice-skates to cars since the 1800s and it was originally done for practical reasons. Since then, it’s become a bit of a tradition and we’re sure that you’ll have fun experimenting with different ways to put skis on the roof rack of your car.
If you’re looking to add another sport to your car’s repertoire, then this one’s for you. Thanks to modern-day technology, putting ski boots on the roof rack of your car is now possible and it doesn’t require days of preparation like it used to. In this article, we’ll run down the steps to make putting skis on your car’s roof rack as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can be out on the slopes as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
Find The Correct Location
If you’re driving on a public road, then your car’s roof is already the correct location for attaching the skis. The problem is that most places won’t allow you to park on the roof due to height restrictions and/or car safety regulations. However, if you have a driveway or a parking spot near the road, then you can safely put the car on the roof rack.
If you decide to put the skis on the roof rack anyway, then make sure that you put them in the appropriate location so that they won’t cause damage to your vehicle while parked on the roof. If they’re not in the right place, then you might slip and hurt yourself or damage something while driving. Even worse, if they’re not in the right spot and you have an accident, then you might be at risk of suffering serious injury or death. For that reason, it’s important to find the correct spot for your skis.
Secure Them Well
One of the most important things to do if you’re going to put the skis on the roof rack is to make sure that they’re securely fastened. When parked on the road, most cars are bound to move around a bit causing the skis to shake and potentially fall off. To prevent that, you need to make sure that the bolts holding the skis on are tightened properly and that there’s no wiggle room when it comes to movement. If they are not, then you might experience some annoying vibrations while driving which could be dangerous. It’s also advisable to cover the exposed ends of the skis with tape or other similar products so that they don’t cut into your skin while driving.
Get The Roof Racks Ready
Now that you’ve found a safe and legal place to park your car, it’s time to prepare the roof rack for the ski boots. For that you need to have some handholds or other devices that will prevent your car from slipping on the road while parked on the roof. Make sure to put them in the right place and in the right position relative to your car’s direction of travel. You might also want to put a towel along the bar or on the floor near the back seat to catch any spillage. This way you’ll avoid any accidents while driving, especially if you’re a newbie like us and don’t have lots of experience behind the wheel. We suggest using some plastic or metal guards to protect your hands from getting wet from any melting snow while driving. Wearing gloves while driving is also advisable so that your hands don’t get cold and cause you to make mistakes while driving. It’s also advisable to put some padding along the inside of the roof rack to prevent any shocks from coming from the road during movement. This way you’ll avoid any soreness and weariness in your shoulder area while driving. Most importantly, make sure that your arms are fully stretched outside the car before getting in. This will help prevent any accidents when putting your car in gear or stopping quickly.
Choose The Right Skis
Now that your car’s roof has been prepped and you’re ready to attach the skis, it’s time to choose what kind of skis you’ll need for the occasion. There are several options to consider, such as all-arounders that will work for most any type of snow and terrain or specific skis for each type of sport. All-arounders are a good choice if you’re planning on doing some skiing in the near future and don’t want to invest in specific ski equipment. They’re also relatively affordable. Specific skis are ideal if you’re a beginner skier who wants to focus on learning how to ski before venturing out on the trails. These skis are narrower than all-arounders and have straighter edges which make them easier to turn and control on the slopes. If you’re a hardcore skier who spends most of his time on the mountain, then you might want to consider investing in some specialized skis. These are similar to snowboards but with a pointed nose and tail which allow them to carve through the snow more efficiently. You can find all types of ski equipment at most retail stores or online retailers and the process of choosing the right equipment is easier than you think! Just remember that your body position while skiing determines which type of ski you should be using. Stance, shape, and size all play a factor in determining what works best for you. If you’re still not sure which type of ski is right for you, then take some time to watch some YouTube videos or other similar online content that illustrates different techniques for skiing. This way you’ll have a better idea of how to position your body while skiing and which types of ski will give you the most stability while moving.
Install The Shingles
Once you’ve chosen the right skis, it’s time to attach them to the roof rack. To do that, you need to install the “shingles” which are the little tabs or protrusions on the bottom of the skis that allow them to rest on the metal surface of the roof rack. This is important because it provides a firm base for the skis while also keeping them from sliding around when parked on the roof. It might take some time to find the right fit and orientation for the shingles on your car’s roof rack so make sure to experiment with different configurations before deciding which one works best for you. This process is easier than it sounds and can be done with just a few simple tools that you might have around the house. For instance, you could use a drill and some screwdrivers to install the shingles on your car’s roof rack. It would also be wise to consult with your local car service provider or mechanic for help with this process since it’s far from being a simple matter.
Check For Safety Equipment
It’s important to remember to attach all types of safety equipment to your car before driving on the road. This is especially important if you’re venturing out onto unknown or unfriendly terrain. Make sure to have your ski helmet with you, as well as chest harness, helmet lamp, goggles, and ski jacket. Your ski jacket should have an automatic fastener so that it can be adjusted to fit various body shapes. Most importantly, make sure that your car is equipped with emergency kits which contain the essentials to get you and your vehicle back on the road safely. It’s also advisable to have your ski gear serviced and inspected regularly to make sure that it still functions properly.
Put Your Car In Neutral
One of the things that might trip you up is putting your car in gear while on the roof. To avoid this, it’s best to park in neutral and then use handholds or other similar devices to ease you into gear. It’s also important to note here that the reverse gear might be located on the other end of the roof than the gear selected to enter the highway. Make sure to check the location of the reverse gear before shifting into reverse while parked on the roof rack.
Go Slowly
When approaching a steep hill or other similarly dangerous terrain, it’s best to go slowly and carefully. This will help you avoid any accidents or injuries while having fun on the mountain. Make sure to control your speed and ensure that you’re in the correct gear for the conditions. Driving through a snow blizzard is also advisable since it makes for safer driving conditions and allows you to concentrate on other things besides getting to your destination safely. Make sure to watch out for other cars, pedestrians, and animals while driving in extreme weather conditions so that you can be aware of your surroundings.
After all of that, putting the skis on your car’s roof rack should be a piece of cake. Now that you’re more confident in your abilities behind the wheel, this one will be an easy task for you to accomplish. And to top it all off, it’s something that you and your family can enjoy together as a team effort. Thanks to technology, finding the right parking spot for your car is now just a matter of GPS navigation and following simple instructions.