How To Install a Roof Rack on Your Hyundai Kona

Is your Hyundai Kona the perfect weekend warrior and travel companion? Your SUV meets your lifestyle needs, but it might be missing an extra accessory to truly optimize your Dublin, California, adventures. Hyundai Kona roof cargo carriers and roof racks are the next best thing to maximize its utility and capacities. Take an effective step toward enhancing your Hyundai Kona with a roof rack and learn how to install one with this overview.

Why Add a Roof Rack to Your Hyundai Kona?

You may think your Hyundai Kona is adventure-ready, with its off-roading capabilities and great fuel economy, but your available storage space is just as important. Adding a roof rack to your Kona can help with the following:

Enhancing Your Vehicle’s Utility

For a subcompact crossover SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Kona offers a modest interior cargo volume of 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. However, you compromise your five-passenger seating capacity. One of the best Hyundai Kona cargo solutions is adding a roof rack to the existing roof side rails. A roof rack increases your vehicle’s utility, providing additional cargo space for various items without affecting your passenger or interior cargo configuration.

Preparing for Adventure: The Benefits

Adding a roof rack enhances your Hyundai Kona’s outdoor adventure setup. This SUV accessory allows you to carry bikes and kayaks on top of your Kona so you can hit the trails in Redwood National Park or explore the refreshing waters of the bay. A Kona roof rack offers plenty of space for your camping gear so you can plan a fun Bay Area getaway with family or friends.

Choosing the Right Roof Rack for Your Kona

Uphold the reliability of your SUV by choosing the best roof racks for a Hyundai Kona, depending on your travel needs.

Types of Roof Racks Explained

Different roof racks are available for your Hyundai Kona, each with specific uses. Get a better understanding of what they are and how they work with this list:

• Roof rails: Roof rails are factory installed to your Kona that run parallel to the length of your car in a north and south direction. This accessory is the foundation for roof racks and cargo carrier installation.
• Roof racks: A Hyundai Kona roof rack is a series of horizontal bars that attach to your roof rails. They are made from durable, lightweight materials such as aluminum or steel, designed to withstand heavy loads and resist damage from the elements.
• Crossbars: Crossbars are similar to roof racks but engineered to be more aerodynamic. They provide extra cargo support and stability wherever you travel. Depending on the type, you may be able to lock your crossbars for additional security.

Compatibility and Selection Tips

Before purchasing a roof rack for your Hyundai Kona, ensure it is compatible with your SUV. Consider important factors like weight limits when choosing a roof rack. Will you use it to carry light luggage or heavy dirt bikes? Additionally, your vehicle specifications, like length and if it has a moon or sunroof, can affect whether you can install a Hyundai Kona roof rack.

Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Installing a new roof rack on your Hyundai Kona is an easy do-it-yourself project. Here’s your Hyundai Kona roof rack installation guide:

Tools and Materials Needed

You will need the following tools and materials to complete a DIY roof rack installation on your Hyundai Kona:

• A bucket of clean water and a cloth.
• A step ladder.
• Safety gloves and goggles.
• A torque wrench.
• A 5-millimeter hex socket wrench.
• A front and rear crossbar installation kit complete with a hardware bag, quick reference guide, and 5-millimeter hex key.

Detailed Installation Steps

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to install a roof rack on your Kona:

1. Using the provided keys, unlock all four crossbar covers by turning the key clockwise. Take the key out of the keyhole and remove the roof crossbar covers. Note: Be mindful of where you place your keys and roof crossbar covers so you don’t lose them.
2. Using the 5-millimeter hex key, loosen the bolts and clamps of the roof crossbars on all four sides. Do not remove the bolts.
3. Clean your Kona roof rails before installing the crossbars with a bucket of clean water and a cloth. Use a step ladder to access the harder-to-reach spots.
4. Check the mounting direction and location of the front and rear crossbars before mounting them to your Hyundai Kona. Note: The front crossbar is wider than the rear.
5. Place the roof crossbars on your Kona’s side rails and loosen the crossbar clamps to match the rails’ shape.
6. Position the front crossbar behind the first hole cap on the roof rails. Position the rear cross bars in front of the third hole cap on the roof rails. Note: Remember to keep the front and rear roof crossbars parallel to each other.
7. Use the torque wrench and 5-millimeter hex socket to tighten the bolts of the roof crossbars. Repeat until all bolts are tightened.
8. Hold each crossbar by hand and test to ensure each clamp is fully locked onto the roof rails. The crossbars should be tight and secure. If they move when you shake them, return to step 6 and check again.
9. Replace the roof crossbar covers, ensuring the left-hand and right-hand covers are installed accordingly.
10. Insert the key into the keyhole of the roof crossbar cover and turn it counterclockwise to lock it. Store the keys, 5-millimeter hex key, and quick reference guide in your Kona’s glove compartment for safekeeping.

Safety Tips for Installing and Using a Roof Rack

The following Hyundai Kona roof rack safety tips are the last step of the DIY installation process to ensure safe driving:

• Before traveling, verify the clamps are fully seated on the side roof rails.
• Ensure the crossbars are in the locked position and do not jiggle or rattle. There should be no movement.
• Ensure proper load distribution and spread your cargo evenly across your roof rack.
• Double-check that your cargo is secured effectively with appropriate tie-downs and straps to prevent accidents.

Maximizing Space: Roof Racks for Kona in Dublin, California

Curious about adding storage to your Hyundai Kona? Discover quality roof rack options and Hyundai Kona roof rack accessories at Dublin Hyundai. Our team is committed to helping you enhance your Hyundai SUV with exceptional parts. Contact us today to browse our parts inventory or schedule a roof rack installation appointment.

Bike Racks by Henry Burrows is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

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