Anyone leaving their roof racks on full time? I really like the look but am concerned it will impact the drive/handling, especially since I do a lot of mountain driving.

I'm curious because my Audi dealer told me that the car handles differently when the racks are installed, I guess to compensate for what the car assumes is a load on top.

Thanks

I have the roof racks on since a week, with one bike holder on the driver's side and I do not feel any difference. no surprise to me since it is a 2 ton car. the only thing I notice is a little bit noise (the wind) ;-) My suggestion, try it yourself.

It changes the way the ESP works. You could get a bit more brake wear cornering with it on. It's very easy to remove and reinstall.

It changes the way the ESP works. You could get a bit more brake wear cornering with it on. It's very easy to remove and reinstall.

Hi AofC_RR,
Sorry to highjack this thread, does your dealership install the towage yet on the Q5's? I'll be in the Carolina's between the 14th and 30th and was just wondering if your dealership could help.

We drive up to the mountains almost every weekend, and I have never noticed a difference. I have them on about 1/2 the time we drive up there.

I've thought that the idea of the ESP compensation is a bit overkill if all you have on the roof is a bike or a couple pairs of skis. Then, after further thought, it makes sense to me that having the crossbars installed shouldn't have any effect on everyday handling. My experience and understanding is that the ESP acts to cut throttle and apply braking to individual wheels to maintain the intended velocity vector only in situations where it is needed. So I would dare to go so far as to say that having the crossbars installed would only affect situations when driving at the limit of traction, i.e. laying down rubber, on snow, or on dirt. Doesn't have any effect on suspension.