First Accessory Purchase: Roof Rack Cross Bars.

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When I bought roof rack cross bars for our Buick a while back, I didn’t think they would become such an essential part of how we travel. After owning them for a year, it’s safe to say I won’t buy another car without adding a set. With a couple of ratchet straps, I can haul just about anything we bring home from the store. One of my favorite examples was when we brought home a huge rug from HomeSense, strapped it to the top, and drove home without any issues. We also keep a roof basket that attaches to the bars, and it has completely changed the way we pack for vacations. Instead of stuffing every inch of the trunk, we can toss a big duffel bag or extra gear up top and enjoy the drive with some breathing room inside the car.

So naturally, when the Chevy Bolt came home, the first accessory I ordered was a set of cross bars. I went with the Wonderdriver cross bars on Amazon, which are rated for 220 pounds. They mount to the factory roof rails (if your Bolt has them) and the install couldn’t have been simpler. It took me about 15 minutes from opening the package to tightening the last screw. The kit even included some extra hardware and stick-on cushions that go between the brackets and the rails, which helps protect the car’s finish.

The best part is they don’t add any extra noise when driving. I was worried there might be a constant whistle on the highway, but after a couple of trips I haven’t noticed anything different compared to stock. Now we’ve got the flexibility to bring along bigger items again, just like with the Buick, and it feels like the car is more complete. For me, roof racks have gone from a nice-to-have to mandatory.