A bike rack can be a great option if you’re looking for a secure way to transport your bike. It lets you easily strap your bike onto the back of your vehicle while still making room for other items.
There are many different types of racks available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and makes sense for the kind of car that you have.
But your car and preferences are not the only issues to consider. A rack’s security is also vital. If you’re wondering if these racks are secure, here are some things worth knowing.
Are Bike Racks Secure
Bike racks are secure and easy to use. If you drive a car with a bike rack attached, you must ensure that the carrier is secure.
You’ll first want to find something with two sturdy points where you can mount the rack; a car roof or trunk is perfect. You’ll also need something that will hold up under the weight of your bike, so make sure whatever you choose isn’t going to give way or snap under pressure from a heavy-duty rack.
Also, a rack has locking mechanisms to keep your bike safe and sufficiently keep thieves away. Most secure bike racks can be locked with a U-lock, bike’s chain, or through the frame and rear wheel together. This ensures that all parts of your bike will be held securely against theft attempts by thieves who may try to pry them off with crowbars or other implements of destruction.
Additionally, the more the locking points on each side of the rack, the better secure your bike will be. Most bike racks have at least two locking points on both sides, but it’s wise to check if yours has more than that before buying it.
Should I Leave My Bike Rack On My Car
There is no harm in leaving a bike rack on your car. However, there is a caveat. While your bike rack might be safe when you’re out and about, it’s at risk of being stolen while you’re home, asleep, or at work.
Generally, leaving or removing your bike rack on your car depends on various factors, including where you live, how often you use the rack, and what kind of vehicle you have.
Removing the rack from your car during the off-season is best if you live in an area with more than one season, such as a place with winter and summer months. This will help prevent rust from forming on the metal parts of the rack and will also prevent damage to paint from prolonged exposure to the weather.
Also, if your car has limited space, it is best to remove any extra parts such as bike racks when storing them away during off-season months or when transporting multiple passengers at once. Besides car space, your residential area and parking may affect your decision to keep or remove the rack. Garage parking types will dictate you remove the rack to avoid damage to it and the vehicle.
How Can I Make My Bike Rack More Secure
There are many ways to make a bike rack more secure, some of which are very simple. If you have an old bike rack that is not as secure as you would like, these tips will be helpful.
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Use Locks and Cables
The most common way of making your bicycle rack more secure is by using locks and cables. You can use these devices to lock one or more bike rack parts, such as the wheels or pedals. The locks will prevent anyone from stealing your bike by simply lifting the entire thing off its stand.
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Use a locking hitch pin
Consider using a locking hitch pin if you have an older bike rack that doesn’t have built-in locks or cables. This small metal pin fits into your vehicle’s hitch and prevents someone from removing the rack’s frame.
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Secure the wheels with straps
A common problem with bike racks is that they don’t do a great job securing the wheels. The best thing you can do is use straps or bungee cords to keep the wheels in place so that they don’t come off while driving. You may also want to consider using wheel chocks and blocks explicitly made for this purpose.
How Do I Stop Someone From Stealing My Bike Rack
If you are looking for a way to stop someone from stealing your bike rack, here are some tips worth considering.
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Perfect installation
A perfectly installed rack is hard to remove and steal. You can do this by installing bolts through the frame of your bike rack and into the ground. Also, make sure that there are no exposed bolts or screws that could allow someone to unscrew them easily.
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Use several lock systems
A combination of locks only allows access to the user who has set it up initially and knows how it works, so thieves will not be able to get past this security measure quickly. The only downside of a combination lock system is that it takes more time than other types of locks, such as keyed locks, but still ideal as it gives thieves a hard time breaking.
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Remove the rack when not in use
The most effective way to prevent someone from stealing your bike rack is not to leave it on your vehicle. If you plan on leaving your car parked for more than 24 hours, remove the rack from the back and store it somewhere safe.
Conclusion
Bike racks come in different shapes, designs, and colors, but these give them more visibility which may attract thieves. However, the racks are securely made to protect your precious bike whether you are near your vehicle or not.
Nevertheless, anyone intending to steal the bike can devise numerous ways, which is why you need to add some security measures to the rack. The use of locks, removing them when not in use, and using locks and cables go a long way in protecting your carrier and bike.
Now, go forth and protect your most precious item.
