Obviously, there are some terrains where you cannot manage without a bike. Therefore, when you are going on a trip like this, you should take your bike with you.
The bike racks that make it so easy to transport your bike to different destinations are part of the reason behind this.
There’s no doubt that bike racks are exposed to rain most of the time since they are attached to the car for a long time and remain there for a long time.
The fact that you have to remove the bike rack every time it rains and you need to go outside can become quite frustrating.
If you are reading this article, it is probably because you are trying to find out if leaving your bike rack out in the rain is a safe thing to do.
Here is what you need to know in order to find out more.
Is it possible for bike racks on cars to get wet?
There are many reasons why bike racks are made of metal, including the fact that they need to be sturdy and able to support the weight of bikes and loads of items.
When it comes to these bike racks, some manufacturers factor in the fact that the racks will be exposed to rain from time to time as part of the manufacturing process.
It is for this reason that you see some bikes with what appears to be a nylon cover protecting the metal surface of the bike.
When it rains, the water that falls on the bike rack is washed away by the force of the water as it strikes the rack.
There is a possibility, however, that the water will penetrate into the metal of the bike rack itself over time, which is where the issue begins to arise.
In the event that a bike rack is rained on, what will happen to it?
You will find that your bike rack will begin to corrode over time if it is constantly exposed to moisture and rain.
The reason you may have been noticing some rust on your bike rack is that it has been exposed to rain a lot. Sand, dirt, dust, and grit can also cause rust on your bike rack, but rain is also responsible for some of the rust.
If your car is out in the rain for just a couple days, this might not really be an issue if you keep it out for a few days.
As a result, it becomes a problem when it becomes habitual for you to always drive in the rain or to always leave your car out in the rain with your bike racks intact.
After a week of constantly leaving your bike rack under the rain, you will begin to notice visible damage to the bike rack.
This is not to say that when it starts to rain and you are driving and it starts to rain, you have to run under a shade.
In the rainy season, if your bike rack is left outside, it is not recommended to leave it there for long periods of time. One week can turn into two weeks, and then into two months.
It doesn’t take long for your once vibrant-looking bike rack to lose some of its original color. This is when you start seeing silver rust forming on the surface of your bike rack.
It is quite possible that some people who live in the somewhat warm desert may be able to leave their bike racks under the rain for months before they see any signs of damage occurring to them.
There are, however, some people who are not as fortunate.
It is important to take note of the fact that the level of damage that your bike rack may sustain will depend on the kind of material it is made from.
If you choose a steel or cheap cable frame type of bike rack, you may not be able to withstand the rain for an extended period of time.
Another thing that plays a huge role in the weatherproofing of a bike rack on a car is the position in which it is mounted. Roof bike racks can withstand rain much more successfully than rear bike racks.
As a final point, accumulated dirt or too much exposure to rain will not only lead to damage to the bike rack, but will also lead to damage to the bike and the car if nothing is done to prevent those damages.
How To Protect A Bike Rack In The Rain
Here are ways you can protect your bike rack from the rain:
Remove The Bike Rack
There is an ideal way to protect your bike rack from rain when you are not using it. You should remove your bike rack when you are not using it, particularly during the rainy season when many people don’t use their bikes. What’s the point of having your bike rack on your car when you will not be using it?
Get A Bike Rack Cover
In order to protect your bike rack from the rain, there are many companies that make and sell bike covers that you can use to cover and cover your bike rack. A lot of them are well designed so that they allow for the taillight to stay visible even when covered. In comparison to installing and removing your bike rack, they are much easier to cover and remove.
Make Your Own Bike Rack Cover
As an alternative, you can also use items that you already possess in order to make your own bike rack cover. All that you need is some plastic or waterproof material that you can sew together to cover your bike rack. You just need to measure the length and width of the bike rack. You can cut the material and sew it together yourself, or you can have your tailor sew it for you. And then you have your own homemade bike rack cover.
Take Shelter
During the rainy season, it is always best to take cover under a tree if you are driving. Some rains are very corrosive, especially the first rain of the year. You are better to wait it out under the shelter of a tree than to drive under the rain.
Get It Cleaned Up
A few days of rain can cause your bike rack to start rusting, as we said earlier. You will have to practice proper bike rack maintenance if you do not have the luxury of being able to afford a bike rack cover, if you are unable to make your own bike rack cover, and if you are not able to uninstall and reinstall your bike rack.
After it has rained, make sure to wipe down the rack with a clean towel and endeavor to reach those hidden compartments where rust usually starts to develop. Once you have finished cleaning the rack, make sure to get some good lubrication and re-lube those parts in addition to any other areas that require lubrication.
Final Thoughts
I think we have established the point that indeed it could be detrimental to your bike rack if you leave it on your car when it is raining.
In spite of this, you don’t need to be afraid of using your bike rack when it starts to rain. As we mentioned earlier, having it under the rain for a few days or occasionally may not have a negative effect on your bike rack.
The tips above will help you stay on top of your game no matter if it is raining or not if you wish to keep it on regardless of whether it is raining or not.
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