The roof rack of your 5th Gen 4Runner is a valuable addition to the vehicle. It provides extra storage space for your gear when you are outdoors. It also improves the overall look of your vehicle, making it look classy and functional. Despite its importance, the roof rack requires proper care and maintenance.
The right care prolongs its lifespan and saves you the money of regular repairs and upgrades. If your car has a roof rack, you should understand how to care for it properly. Read on to learn how to care for the car’s roof rack, whether the vehicle is new or old.
1. Clean It Well
After getting the best 5th Generation 4Runner roof rack, cleaning is one of the most basic care and maintenance practices to follow. As you drive, the roof rack accumulates lots of dirt and other particles, mainly if the roads are dusty. Similarly, leaves, twigs and other types of waste may fall on the roof rack when you park the vehicle. As such, the roof rack gets dirty often, whether you use the vehicle or not. The dirt can easily cause corrosion to some parts with time, so you should observe regular cleaning.
The cleaning process is quite easy because you don’t need many items. You only need a bucket of clean water, a soft cloth and a mild detergent. When cleaning, you should pack the car in a stable place. You should also allow the rack to dry off well before you load more items. Drying helps prevent moisture, which can attract mold with time.
2. Inspect Regularly
5th Gen 4Runner roof rack requires regular inspection. During the inspections, you will look for any wear and tear signs. You will also look for rust, damaged mounting, broken rails, or any other issues requiring urgent repair. The inspection is quite easy, and you can do it alone. However, you should have a good ladder to get there and check every part of the roof rack. Be sure to repair any issues you notice before they become worse.
3. Don’t Overload the Roof Rack
The roof rack of your vehicle might look stable, but it has a maximum weight limit that it can handle. Most racks come with a sticker showing the maximum weight it can load. If you overload it, you may risk damaging its parts. Even worse, the vehicle might lose balance and cause an accident. So, learn to keep little items on the roof rack to avoid possible damage and accidents. By doing so, you will increase the lifespan of the roof rack and avoid possible damage.
4. Lubricate
Some 55th Gen 4Runner Roof racks have moving parts along the joints. These joints help make the right adjustments when loading and unloading items on the rack. When inspecting the roof rack, you should check the condition of these joints to know if you should lubricate. It’s a good idea to lubricate them monthly, mainly if you use the roof rack regularly. Proper lubrication reduces friction and makes the joints more functional, with less resistance. Get a good lubrication to apply on the moving parts of the roof rack if you have never lubricated. Remember to clean off the roof rack first to remove dust and other particles before applying the lubricant.
5. Protect It
You should protect your vehicle’s roof rack when not using it. Proper protection reduces the impact of sun rays, which might damage some parts. Also, protection keeps dust and other particles from entering the vehicle when you are not using it. One great way to protect it is by covering it when not in use. If you don’t have a cover, you should park the vehicle in an area with shade to protect against sun rays and harsh external impacts.
6. Schedule a Professional Checkup
It’s normal to get busy such that you don’t have time to examine the roof rack. You can schedule regular checkups with a professional if that’s your case. The expert should check the roof rack regularly to ensure everything is okay. Just make sure you find an expert with the right tools and expertise.
7. Remove the Rack
Your 5th Gen 4Runner doesn’t always need to have the roof rack on. Sometimes, you can remove it and keep it in a safe place when you are not using it. You can then mount it on again when you go camping or on an outdoor trip and need to store your extra gear. This practice protects the roof rack from harsh environmental effects which may damage it.
8. Replace When Old
A good rack isn’t meant to stay forever. With time, you will notice that the rack is no longer effective, mainly if you use it a lot. The racks may become worn out, and there may be visible signs of damage that you can ignore. When that time comes, removing the roof rack and getting a new one is the best decision.
Conclusion
A well-maintained roof rack protects your gear during outdoor trips. It also lasts for long. By following the above practices, you can maintain your roof rack’s functional and aesthetic features for a long time. So, clean the roof rack of your 5th Gen 4Runner Roof rack well, inspect and lubricate it, and don’t forget to seek the help of an expert in checking it from time to time.
