Moving your bike from one location to another might be inconvenient, but this does not have to be the case. This is due to the fact that you may utilize a bike rack on your car to assist transportation. The rack may be attached to the rear or top of your car.
The best thing is that you don’t need to employ an expert to accomplish it. Putting a rack bike on a car may seem simple, but if you’re not sure how to do it, these are the steps you need to do.
Now, there are three main sorts of racks, so let’s take a look at each of them in terms of how they’re installed.
Table of Contents
In three simple steps, learn how to mount a bike to a car roof rack.
Most cars come standard with a mix of mounting points, towers, and factory-installed roof side rails. If your car already has a roof rack, all you’ll need is a bike mount attachment. If your car does not already have a bike rack, you have various alternatives for installing one.
You may either install the entire rack system or construct a detachable rack using your door jam mounts. The following are the procedures for installing a door jam rack on your car.
Step 1: Take a measurement of the car door.
The first step is to measure your car’s door, which will enable for optimal positioning. The rack clips may need to be a specific distance from the region where the rear and front doors connect, depending on the user instructions. This is commonly known as the B pillar.
Step 2: Put the clips in place.
The clips should then be placed in your door jams. Once the clips are fitted, the rails may need to be screwed in or attached to the clip. Following that, tighten the clips to ensure that they are securely fastened.
Check to see whether it can be readily opened and closed without messing with the door clip to confirm that it is done correctly.
Step 3: Installing a mount (Optional)
You are now finished with the procedure, but you may need to attach the rails and add a mount to the rails.
Pro Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s directions while building and installing your rack, especially if it’s your first time doing so. This is due to the fact that each design and brand of bike need a unique assembly and installation procedure.
The last thing you want to do is make a mistake and destroy your rack.
How to install a hitch bike rack In three simple steps
If your car already has a trailer hitch or if you don’t mind adding one, this is the rack for you.
You may choose this type of rack over a roof rack since it is easier to load a bike onto it. You also won’t have to worry about your bike’s height, which is especially important while passing through a tunnel.
The following are the procedures to installing a hitch rack.
Step a: Determine the length of the hitch.
As is usual, the first step is to measure your hitch. It’s also worth noting that most hitch racks come with an adapter that can fit a 2-inch hitch receiver.
However, if your hitch is 14 inches, disconnecting the adapter will generally suffice to make the rack and hitch compatible.
Step b: Remove the cap
Next, remove the lid from your hitch, which will allow you to lift the hitch rack. After that, you should insert the rack into the receiver.
Step c: Secure the rack to the hitch.
At this stage, the hole on the receiver’s side should be aligned with the hole in the rack; if not, try to align them. Once it is complete, use lock washers and bolts to fasten the rack to the hitch.
That’s all there is to it; you’re done!
In three simple steps, learn how to install a trunk bike rack on your car.
If you have a closed and open trunk, or simply anything that isn’t a hatchback, a trunk rack is a terrific alternative because it’s easy to use and detachable.
That means you may use the rack anytime you need to carry your bike and remove it when you get at your destination.
Before you proceed, you should check the manufacturer’s website to see if a certain brand will suit your vehicle. This is due to the fact that trunk racks are often customizable and may accommodate various trunk styles and sizes.
However, there are several features of this type of rack that may make mounting it on some cars more difficult.
The instructions for installing a trunk bike rack on a car are as follows.
Step i: open the trunk.
To begin, set the rack on the ground or a level surface. This allows you to separate the straps and align them ahead of time.
After that, you should partially open the trunk and secure the hooks and top straps. The hooks should fit between the top of your trunk and the bottom of your rear window.
Step ii: Position the rack correctly.
Next, arrange the rack so that it sits on top of your car’s trunk and place the bottom hooks at the bottom of your trunk.
Step iii: Secure the trunk.
Close the trunk while tightening the straps in this stage. This is designed to keep them from moving or sliding about. You will then be able to mount your bike.
Pro Tip: Even when properly placed, trunk-mounted racks tend to leave scratches or markings on a vehicle’s trunk, so if you want to keep your car’s paint job intact, consider choosing a roof or hitch rack that does not rest directly on your vehicle’s body.
Conclusion
There are several bike racks on the market, each with its own assembly and installation method. We’ve covered the most important ones, and we hope it takes you one step ahead in terms of moving your bike securely and effectively.