How to Safely Transport Skis & Snowboards With Your Car
One of the best things about living in southern Ontario is our ability to get out and hit the slopes in the winter! Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder or just an occasional one, knowing how to transport your gear safely is essential.
Get the Right Equipment
It’s important to secure your skis and snowboards to your vehicle properly using the right equipment. Depending on your needs, consider a roof rack or roof box that is the right dimensions for your car and equipment. Always make sure any roof storage systems are secured tightly and won’t come loose when your vehicle is moving. If using a roof rack with crossbars, make sure they’re closed properly before heading to the slopes.
Position Equipment Properly
If you’re installing the roof rack or roof box yourself, make sure it’s positioned properly on the roof of your car. Any roof racks or boxes should be positioned in the middle of your car’s roof. When loading your equipment, try to make sure the weight and size of your gear is positioned evenly across the rack or box. Uneven loading can cause your car to handle differently.
Consider Height Restrictions
Adding any kind of storage equipment to the roof of your car will undoubtedly add height to your vehicle. Take a measurement of your vehicle’s height including the extra equipment and make a mental note of it. Be extra careful when entering any low garage doorways or passing below bridges, wires and tree limbs.
Watch Your Speed
You should take any added height or weight into account when driving so that you can drive safely. Be sure to pay even more attention to your speed and consider adjusting to the weight of your car. You’ll also need to start braking earlier than normal and give your car a bit more distance between it and the car in front. The added weight and height will make your car brake more slowly and turn corners differently.
When heading out on any winter trip, it’s always important to adapt your driving to the road conditions as well. Check out Logel’s Auto Parts’ tips for winter driving!
