How to Maintain Your Jeep Roof Rack for Long-Term Durability

February 18, 2025

A Jeep roof rack is an incredibly handy aftermarket addition for anyone who loves the great outdoors, overlanding, or driving around town. It provides extra storage space and makes it easier to haul all kinds of gear, from bikes and kayaks to rooftop tents.

However, as with any exterior accessory, you need to take a little care to keep your roof rack in good condition. Failure to do so may result in items rusting, fittings working loose, or even structural failure—putting your cargo (and you) at risk.

If you perform regular maintenance on your roof rack, it’ll serve you faithfully for many years. Here is everything you need to know about maintaining your Jeep roof rack for long-term durability.

1. Clean Your Roof Rack Regularly

Dirt, mud, road salt and debris can accumulate quickly, especially if you use your Jeep to go off-roading. These can cause rust and also break down the protective coating of your roof rack. To ensure that your Jeep roof rack lasts as long as it should, you will need to clean it regularly, and if possible keep the external parts in a pristine condition.

Here are some of the roof rack cleaning best practices to follow:

Use regular soap and water: You don’t need any special cleaning products—in fact, some chemicals may potentially strip protective finishes. Just use car wash soap and warm water.
Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge: Avoid using anything abrasive to protect the surface of your roof rack.
Rinse well: Wash and rinse well to ensure there is no soap residue.

If you drive your roof rack in an area where road salt is used during winter, clean it more frequently. This will help prevent possible corrosion from salt building up on the surface of the rack.

2. Check for Rust and Corrosion

No matter how high-quality the aluminum or steel is, your jeep roof rack can rust if it’s exposed to moisture for long enough. Regular inspections help you identify early signs of corrosion before they become significant problems. Here are some of the signs to look out for:

Surface rust that appears as reddish brown specks on any metal part.
Bubbles or powder coating
Rust on bolts and joints.

Still, you can take a few preventative measures to keep your roof rack rust-resistant. For example, apply a corrosion inhibitor to slow down the formation of rust. You should also consider touching up scratches with paint, especially if your roof rack has a powder-coated or painted finish.

3. Check and Tighten Bolts and Mounting Hardware

A loose roof rack is not only noisy but also dangerous. The constant vibrations from driving can cause brackets and bolts to come loose more easily than you might think, particularly if you use your vehicle off-road or on bumpy roads.

Here’s how to check and secure your Jeep roof rack hardware:

Inspect bolts and fasteners monthly; Look for any movement or gaps in the mounting points.
Check rubber gaskets and seals. Some roof racks use rubber seals to keep out water and road noise—replace them if they wear out.

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

If your roof rack has adjustable crossbars, folding mounts or other moving parts, you need to lubricate them once in a while to keep them working. The best material to use is a silicone based lubricant as they doesn’t attract dirt and dust like oil based lubricants.

Apply the lubricant on stiff hinges, locks, or sliding parts. Always remember to wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dirt from collecting or wear—keeping the moving parts of your Jeep roof rack lubricated will keep them from squeaking and make it easier to remove or adjust.

5. Store Your Roof Rack Properly When Not in Use

If you only use your roof rack occasionally, removing it when not needed can help extend its lifespan. Constant weather and road debris exposure often lead to wear and deterioration, so it’s advisable only to use your roof rack when you need it.

Here’s how to store your roof rack:

Keep the roof rack out of the rain.
Always cover it with a tarp or protective bag. This will provide an added layer of protection from dust and humidity if there are any leaks in your storage area.
Using quick-release mounts can make it much easier to remove and reinstall your roof rack when you store it often due to the off-season.

6. Check Weight Limits and Load Distribution

Overloading your roof rack can cause structural damage, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase wind resistance. To keep it in good condition, you should consider managing load distribution and ensuring you’re within the weight limit.

For instance:

Find out your Jeep’s roof weight capacity: The manufacturer determines the maximum load your vehicle’s roof can bear.
Distribute the weight evenly: Too much weight on one side can cause the trailer to be off balance and, therefore, unsafe.
Use proper tie-downs: Secure your load with ratchet straps or bungee cords so it doesn’t shift while driving.
Follow the speed recommendations of your roof rack when carrying items like kayaks or cargo boxes.

Final Thoughts

With a little maintenance, a Jeep roof rack will last many years, no matter the type of cargo you’re hauling. Consider cleaning it regularly, check for any rust or corrosion and always ensure the hardware is hardened enough.

Following these tips will help you keep your roof rack in top shape and ready to haul all the gear you need for your next adventure.