Kia RIO roof box

How to install a roof box correctly Kia RIO ?

The position of the roof box for Kia RIO must be centered on the roof to ensure proper balance of the vehicle. For your own safety and that of others, be sure to check the fastenings every time you stop. Especially as improper securing can result in the unpleasant (and always unpleasant, especially on vacation...) penalty of a 68 euro fine imposed by the police.

How to load your roof box correctly Kia RIO

The GVW of your Kia RIO (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) must never be exceeded. This weight is shown on your Carte Grise (box F2). When estimating the total weight of your vehicle, you need to add the roof box, roof bars, luggage (use a scale to weigh yourself with and without the luggage to be weighed; the difference will give you the weight of the luggage!), the vehicle's passengers, the driver and the unladen vehicle (box G1 on the Carte Grise). In addition, please respect the maximum weight of luggage supported by the roof box Kia RIO itself (see user manual). Above 50kg of luggage, the heavily loaded roof box requires your utmost vigilance at the wheel.

We also recommend that you place bulky but light luggage in the roof box. This frees up space in the passenger compartment, and improves visibility for the driver. And keep heavy luggage in the rear trunk. This will lighten your roof box and improve the vehicle's handling.

Another point to bear in mind is the proper distribution of luggage weights inside the roof box. While loads should be balanced laterally (left and right), heavy luggage should be placed in the center or rear of the trunk, just above the roof bars. To ensure that luggage doesn't move around the slightest bend, remember to secure it with a strap. Fill empty spaces with small items of luggage.

In view of the extra load on the roof, you may wish to over-inflate the vehicle's tires slightly.

How to drive with a roof box Kia RIO ?

The presence of a filled roof box Kia RIO alters the balance of the vehicle (i.e., a mass of up to 50kg, positioned high up). According to certain operating instructions, it is preferable not to exceed 110km/h and generally to reduce your usual speed by 10 to 20km/h, especially when cornering. Drive at walking pace over speed bumps. And watch out for wind resistance in strong winds.

As the aerodynamics of your Kia RIO decrease with the roof box (empty or not), don't be surprised by an extra fuel consumption of at least 10%. Don't hesitate to drive slower to reduce fuel consumption. And that's why we advise you to remove the roof box Kia RIO once it's been emptied (e.g. at your destination), to save fuel.

Another important point: the overall height of your Kia RIO increases with a roof box and can exceed 2 meters, in which case think about choosing a toll box with no height limit. Be careful in parking lots, tunnels and especially in car washes (without the roof box please, otherwise it's a massacre !).

Finally, there are no official regulations specifically governing the use of roof boxes. However, article R312-19 of the French Highway Code states that "all necessary precautions must be taken to ensure that the loading of a vehicle does not cause damage or danger".