Understanding what roof type your vehicle has

7 comments

Many people starting out on their roof bar journey have never considered what type of roof they have and why it is important when selecting a suitable set of roof bars. Below is a simple guide to help you ensure you select the correct products.

NORMAL ROOF

A normal roof is one that has nothing on top at all. If you have anything on top of the roof such as rails or fixing points (sometimes found under a removable/retractable strip) then the vehicle is NOT a normal roof.

FLUSH RAILS

Flush rails is normally a visible rail parallel to the doors on the roof. A flush rail does not have a gap meaning you would not be able to put your hand underneath and wrap your hand around the rail.

ROOF RAILING

A visible rail which is similar to flush rails but there is a gap underneath that will allow you to put your hand under and grip the rail.

FIX POINTS

Fix points can be found on the roof of the vehicle and are usually above each door. Sometimes they are hidden under a strip or cover.

The above are the most common styles found on vehicles but there are other types found too.

T-PROFILE

FIXED POINTS WITH SUNROOF

FACTORY INSTALLED CROSS-RAILS

FLUSH RAILS WITH FIXED POINTS

We are increasingly seeing more vehicles like this. If your vehicle has flush rails, it may have fix points built into the flush rail. So by choosing flush rails on our site, the roof bar kits shown may include parts for a fix point roof. Do not worry, this is correct.

If you're not sure what type of roof your vehicle has please contact us before ordering so we can ensure you find compatible products. If you have a glass or panoramic roof we can also check and confirm if the bars will be compatible.

If you cannot find your roof type using our SELECT YOUR VEHICLE tool on our homepage, it's possible that no products are compatible. Please contact us if you need confirmation.

Tags: Roof bars

7 comments

Will

February 05, 2025 at 09:36am

Hi, i have a 2014 toyota alphard with a moon roof over the forward part of the passenger compartment as well as a sunroof over the driver’s section. What sort of roof rack do I get ?

Stephen lane

February 05, 2025 at 09:36am

Fix point for vauxhall 5 door astra 2009

Lorraine Forrest

February 05, 2025 at 09:37am

Hi. I am trying to find a roof cargo solution for my car Ford Fiesta Zetec 2015 2 doors plus boot hatchback Reg: AJ15BVL. It has curtain air bags. It is proving extremely difficult to find anything compatible! It doesn’t have fixed bars or points. Can you help? Lorraine

Ken Tooze

February 05, 2025 at 09:37am

I am looking to purchase roof bars for my 2018 Discovery 5 with recently fitted open(at front) and closed (at rear) rails .Can you advise please and provide a price .Would prefer black bars if possible

William Jackson

February 05, 2025 at 09:37am

Looking for roof bars and feet for a 7 seater Volkswagen sharan 2011 with sliding back doors no rails on car need to attach inside the roof / door

Wayne Henry

February 05, 2025 at 09:37am

2017 Ford Transit Connect LWB
I have flush railing on it
Can’t find any roof cross bar for it
Can u help me where to go

Scott Rennie

August 18, 2023 at 11:15am

Hi looking for roof bars for a 2013 Vauxhall insinga salon do you have any pictures after they are fitted as they are just holes under the door frame