Yakima Rack Maintenance Tips and Tricks
There’s nothing wrong with keeping your gear mounts on your vehicle all year round. But, if you don’t plan on using them for a while, take them off. This prevents any unnecessary build-up of road grime and bugs. Here are some helpful tips to increase their life span.
Keep them clean.
DON’T GO THROUGH THE CAR WASH
- Brush off any loose dirt and road grime…and bugs.
- Hand wash with an environmentally friendly soap.
- Never go through a car wash with gear mounts installed.
- If you don’t need them during the winter/summer, take them off and store them. Road salt can be damaging to a vehicle, let alone your mounts.
Hardware Check-In
“When in doubt shake it out.”
Shake Test
- A shake test is always a good measure in confirming your roof racks attachment. Grab ahold of it and give it a shake! If there’s movement follow below.
Check-Up
- Once a month or so give your rack and mounts a hardware check-up. Ensure all of your bolts and clamps are tight and ready to go!
- Once a year you should remove your roof rack and mounts and re-install them. Long-distance travel and windy conditions could possibly set your racks off-kilter.
- Periodically lube locks, clamps, and hardware as necessary.
- Check locks to ensure that they are in-fact locked.
- Check for any wear and tear on parts. If something seems like it could use an update you can replace it! Explore Replacement Parts or Contact Support
Rooftop Tent and Awning Specific:
- Air out any products with fabric. For instance, your SkyRise tent or SlimShady awning, and allow it to dry at home before storing for a long period.
- Check locks to ensure that they are in-fact locked
- Periodically lube locks and clamps as necessary
- Check for any wear and tear on parts. Explore Replacement Parts.
