Posted on 5/30/2025
Do you hear a constant whistle or low hum coming from your roof while driving at higher speeds? When your car has a roof rack, that sound might be more than just background noise. It’s likely wind resistance creating turbulence around the bars. While it’s a common issue, especially on highways, it can be distracting and make your ride less enjoyable. We’ll explain why roof racks make noise and what you can do to reduce or eliminate it. Why Roof Racks Make Noise Roof racks interfere with the way air flows over your car. Your vehicle is designed to be aerodynamic, allowing air to pass smoothly over the body. When you add a rack, even if it's empty, it changes that airflow. Crossbars, mounts, and attachments create small pockets of turbulence that turn into noise once you’re traveling at speed. The most common sounds include: A high-pitched whistle caused by air passing through gaps or around rounded edges A low-pitched hum or drone from ... read more