Car skis - AvtoTachki

With the change in the design of the skis and the advent of new bindings, roof racks also have to be replaced.

Some cars (mainly sedans) have openings in the back seat, which allows skis to be carried partly in the trunk and partly in the cabin. However, in most cases, skis have to be transported on the roof. The basis of the roof rack are paws and mounting brackets to the car body. Each car has different places for attaching the legs, so they have a different shape. When changing vehicles, we must also remember to change paws. The beams are mounted on legs and do not need to be replaced (unless we have a model with legs permanently attached to the beams). Only extensions for skis or snowboards are mounted on beams, and in summer - bicycle holders.

Recently fashionable carving skis usually have higher bindings. Therefore, in some trunks, they can scratch the roof. Thus, the latest ski extensions are taller than models released a few years ago. Some of them are adjustable in height - when carrying carving skis, we can raise them, with regular skis we can lower them. A convenient way out is tops, in which the skis are perpendicular to the roof.

Another feature of the thread is the large width. Thus, fewer pairs of skis can be carried in traditional extensions. - This should be remembered when choosing a trunk. As a rule, the number of pairs of ordinary skis is indicated in the description of the racks. In the case of carving, a smaller number of them will do, says Marek Senczek from Taurus. But carving skis also have their advantages. Mainly for fans of boxing skis. They are shorter so you don't have to buy long boxes.

In the case of snowboards, you also need to pay attention to the height of the bindings, because they can also scratch the roof. It is worth recommending tops, the boards of which are located diagonally to the roof.

Prices for ski bindings vary depending on the quality of materials and workmanship, the level of safety and ease of use. The simplest extension cords that fit 1 pair of skis attached with an elastic band can be bought for almost a penny. But for a fapa base combi, which can hold 6 pairs of skis, you will have to pay about 500 zlotys, and even twice as much for the trunk of an SUV. In such cases, it is probably worth considering buying a box. However, as a rule, good quality extensions for 3-5 pairs of skis (Fapa and Thule) cost about PLN 200-300.

Car skis

Magnetic racks are a solution for those who do not need racks in summer and do not want to fix roof beams. A well-placed magnetic pad keeps the skis on the roof even at speeds of 150 km/h. However, they cannot be used for vehicles with uneven roof surfaces. Then they may fall off. You also need to make sure the roof is clean because sand and dirt under the trunk lead to scratches on the paintwork. New trunks have special films that separate the trunk from the paintwork. The roof rack in the photo is a novelty of this year from Fapa, which specializes in such roof racks - the cost is about PLN 250.

Car skis

Plastic box on the roof, so-called. box is becoming more and more popular. It is more versatile than traditional ski extensions as it can also accommodate boots and other luggage. In total, the boxes usually hold 250 - 500 liters of luggage, depending on the size. So at least as much as the trunk of a B-segment car! They can also be used in summer. – The only drawback of the box is the problem of its storage in a new condition. Of course, as long as we don't have a garage, says Marek Senczek from Taurus. Car skis He adds, however, that the box has much less air resistance, so it makes less noise in the car than a traditional ski extension and reduces fuel consumption.

Prices for the simplest boxes start below PLN 500. The price depends on the quality of workmanship, the quality of the material, the fastening and locking system, as well as the internal equipment. The most expensive ones cost several thousand zlotys.

Car skis

Ski racks, even empty ones, increase fuel consumption by up to 15%. These losses are reduced by thule air tent extensions. They can carry up to 6 pairs of skis. When empty, they can be tilted parallel to the roof to reduce air resistance. However, it takes a lot of driving to pay for the price difference. Aerotilt costs over PLN 600.

The downside of the roof rack is the problems with attaching skis to it, they have to be lifted high (which is troublesome especially in vans or SUVs), and sometimes you have to lean against the car, usually dirty with dirt from the surface, you can pull it off the roof to make it easier to remove skis or put them on the trunk. Car skis Unfortunately, this is an expensive pleasure - about 600 zł.