Been thinking about getting a roof rack for your car? If you’re driving around Hamilton – whether it’s cruising down Peachgrove Road, wrestling the school run through Dinsdale, or heading out for a Sunday up to Raglan or Te Awamutu – a good roof rack can be a real game changer. We see all sorts come through the workshop: everything from Toyota Corolla hybrids to the odd SsangYong Korando, plus plenty of Subarus, Mazda Axelas, Volkswagen Golfs, and even the occasional Peugeot 3008 owned by a keen mountain biker from Cambridge. Point is, roof racks aren’t just for folks heading on big ski trips. They’re for anyone who ever needs to shift more than what fits in a boot. Gives you options, you know?
Why bother with a roof rack?
Main thing is, roof racks let you cart all the awkward, bulky gear you can’t fit in the back seat, especially if you’ve got the kids and the dog taking up all the real estate. Think bikes, kayaks, snowboards, even just a few extra bags if you’re popping down to Lake Karapiro for the weekend or doing an airport run. We helped a woman last week with a Mitsubishi Outlander – she wanted extra space to fit sports gear and scooters, but didn’t want the hassle of hiring a trailer. Roof rack fixed her problem, easy as.
Another big plus: safety. If you’re loading up for a roadie, spreading the weight evenly helps your car handle better – important with Hamilton’s stop-start traffic, all those potholes coming into Rototuna or the ruts along Te Rapa Road. Less stress on the suspension, less risk of stuff flying about the cabin if you need to slam on the brakes for some clown pulling out by The Base.
Most roof racks are removable too, so you’re not stuck with them when you’re just scooting around Chartwell in the rain. Easy to pop on when you need ‘em and keep the car streamlined for the daily commute.
How to pick the right roof rack
Choosing a roof rack really comes down to what you’re hauling and how often you’ll use it. There’s permanent racks – good if you’re always on the go – and removable ones for those “once in a blue moon” jobs. Loads of solid brands around NZ: Prorack, Thule, Whispbar, Yakima, Rhino-rack. Most parts places around Hamilton stock ‘em, or we can order one in for you.
Styles vary too. Simple bar racks are great for surfboards or ladders. If you’re carting a couple of e-bikes out to Morrinsville, a dedicated bike rack is money well spent. Roof boxes are sweet for keeping suitcases or camping gear dry – especially through Hamilton’s misty winter mornings or that classic summer dust blowing through Tamahere.
Just make sure whatever you get is up to scratch: decent build quality, proper safety ratings, and fits your car. Had a customer with a Honda Fit who nearly got caught out with a rack that didn’t line up with the mounting points – could’ve been a nightmare at speed on the Expressway.
- Quality materials and solid construction
- Meets NZ safety regs and WOF standards (WOF Hamilton)
- Fit for purpose – don’t waste money on features you’ll never use
- Looks alright and suits your car’s vibe
Once you’ve picked the right setup, it’s about fitting it properly. You can DIY if you’re handy, but if you want it done safe (especially if you’re carrying heavy stuff), one of our techs can sort you out. We’ve sorted everything from classic Hilux utes to Suzuki Swifts, and can check your setup’s fit for WOF and all that.
Need a hand with your roof rack?
The crew here at Grimmer Motors have fitted, fixed, and checked roof racks for just about every kind of Kiwi car you can think of. Whether you need a new rack, want your current one checked over before a family holiday up to Huntly, or just want advice, swing by for a yarn. We’ll make sure it’s secure, legal, and ready for the rough and tumble of Hamilton roads.