“Lighten your load,” encourages Matt Smith, Service Manager for Advantage Toyota.

Never exceed your car’s roof load specifications or weight limits. You can find them in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. Typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds. That’s the equivalent of eighteen 8-foot 2 x 4s or three sheets of 3/4-inch plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car.