Guide to roof bars: Different vehicle roof types

There are several different vehicle roof bar fixing systems - how the roof bars attach to the vehicle.

Vehicle manufacturers often offer different roof bar fixing systems (usually flush or raised rails) as an optional extra. That's why a particular vehicle model can have two different fixing type systems.

If you have one of these vehicles, it is essential to choose the correct roof fixing type before ordering your roof bars.

Vehicle with raised roof rails

Same vehicle with a plain roof

Identifying your roof fixing type

There are six different types of roof fixing systems.   Scroll left to right to view the different systems.

Raised Rails

Raised rails run from front to back, with gaps between the rails and the roof.

Flush Rails

Flush rails run from front to back and touch the car along the whole length of the rail.

Fixing Points

Fixing points are usually hidden under flaps or sliding panels.

Plain Roof

If your car doesn't have any obvious fitting systems, the bars clamp around the body work.

T-tracks

A channel in the roof with a slot running the full length.

Gutters

A few cars and vans have old fashioned gutters.

Selecting the correct roof fixing type on our website

If your vehicle model has multiple roof bar fixing type options, then we'll prompt you to select your roof type after selecting your vehicle on our website. It will look like the image below.

Once you have selected your roof type we will display roof bars that fit that roof type fixing system.

If your vehicle only has a single roof fixing type option, we will confirm this after selecting your vehicle on our website. It will look like the image below.