Picture this familiar scenario: you’re all set for an exciting adventure, having loaded your gear onto the car. However, there’s a major problem: the deafening noise emanating from your roof bar is so loud that even a casual conversation with the person sitting next to you becomes impossible. It feels as if your roof bars are producing decibels that would rival a Zeppelin concert.
Regrettably, you may find that using a roof bar safely is something you can do. But to determine whether roof bars will generate excessive noise on a specific vehicle is a challenging task. A roof bar that remains quiet on one vehicle model might produce bothersome whistling sounds on another. The key factor influencing this is the airflow dynamics, making it difficult to predict the noise levels accurately.
Reason of Noise from Roof Bars
In essence, the noise produced by roof bars is primarily influenced by the airflow patterns around your vehicle and roof bars. To mitigate the sound, it becomes necessary to modify the direction in which the air travels over your roof bars, thereby minimizing the noise generated.
Which Type of Roof Bars Should I Choose to Minimize Noise?
Square and round roof bars tend to be noisier compared to aerodynamic ones, although any bar type can cause noise problems on specific vehicles. Aerodynamic bars have a wing-like cross-sectional shape that allows air to flow smoothly over them. These roof bars often feature top wind diffuser strips that redirect airflow, preventing the annoying hum.
While aerodynamic bars may come at a higher cost compared to basic square or round bars, they significantly increase the likelihood of a quiet and pleasant ride.
What to Do if I Already Have a Noisy Roof Bar?
If your current bar is causing excessive noise, a simple solution is to invest in a fairing. A fairing is a wind deflector that can be attached to the front roof bar of your bar. This easy addition almost always resolves the noise issue, providing you with a quieter and more enjoyable ride.
For those who prefer a DIY aesthetic, an alternative option is to tape sections of a pool noodle onto your roof bars. This cost-effective method can help reduce noise, although it may slightly increase drag on your bar. Another option is to purchase roof bar pads specifically designed to wrap around your roof bars. These pads not only minimize noise but also provide added protection for flat loads like paddleboards.
Get Help from Enowl
A simple and highly effective solution that we suggest is to purchase our aerodynamic and low noise roof bars from Enowl. As long as its name contains aerodynamic or low noise, it will be what you are looking for. Our products are from selected manufacturers who have cooperated with us for over 20 years, and all our products are guaranteed with high quality. Purchasing roof bars as well as other products for your vehicle at Enowl is the most cost-effective solution. Contact Us and our engineers will provide you with professional services. With Enowl, you can easily get the perfect car roof top products you want.