Chances are you'll use your car to carry more than just a few bags of groceries. A roof rack is a good idea for luggage or DIY – and there are solutions for more unusual load...

Roof Racks

First make sure your roof rack is properly fitted and loaded evenly. If there's a maximum weight your car can carry, stick to it. If you're not using a roof box, load the biggest items at the back and smaller at the front, make sure your load is securely strapped or tied down to the roof bars and if it looks like rain or snow, have a suitable covering.

Long Loads

Use the roof rack and make sure it's securely strapped or tied to the rack. If it won't fit on the roof rack, slide it in beside the front passenger seat and put down the rear seats if you need to. If you need to keep the boot open, make sure you can still see the number plate and rear lights.

Cycle Carriers

There are two types to choose from – roof mounted or boot mounted. For rear mounted carriers, you should be able to see the number plate and rear lights when the bikes are loaded. Towing TrailersMake sure your trailer lights are correctly linked and working properly. Remember that different speed limits apply if you're towing a load.

3 Tips

1. If you're towing a load such as a caravan or trailer, make sure the car is loaded too as the difference between the weight of the car and its load can make the car unstable.
2. Keep the car in a high gear if possible so the engine doesn't have to work so hard so it reduces the chance of it overheating.
3. Leave plenty of time to brake and try to brake gently.