How to Use a Bike Rack on the Trunk of a Car

A trunk rack on your car for your bicycle is a convenient way to transport your bike if you don't want to invest in a roof rack system. Many styles and brands of racks are available, but most have attachments that hook onto your trunk and bumper with bars that extend out to mount your bike on the rack. The bike is then held tight with straps. Using the rack correctly will prevent damage to your car's finish and your bike.

Things You'll Need

  • Trunk-mount bike rack
  • Car
  • Water-dampened rag
  • Bike
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the car rack on the ground next to the rear of your car. The rack is mounted onto the car with the bars that your bike rests on curving upward. Untangle the straps and lay them out flat.

    • 2

      Wipe down the back of your car with a water-dampened rag. This removes any dust or debris that could scratch the finish of your car when the rack is mounted.

    • 3

      Position the rack onto the rear of your car. The rack needs to be straight with the bars your bike rests on either parallel to the ground or angled slightly upward.

    • 4

      Fit both attachment ends for the top straps into the space between the trunk and the frame of the car. Tighten the straps like you would tighten a backpack strap until the rack stays in the proper position on your car.

    • 5

      Attach the bottom straps. For some cars, these straps will hook under the edge of the trunk lid, on others the straps will fit under the bumper. Attach any side straps if your rack has them. Tighten the bottom and side straps so the rack is securely in position.

    • 6

      Lift your bike onto the rack. The top tube of the bike (the part of the frame that extends from the handlebars to the seat) rests on the bar. Use the straps that don't have attachment ends to tie the bike onto the rack. Some racks come with straps incorporated into the bar and you loop and tighten these over the top tube.

    • 7

      Check all straps and tighten if necessary. If you need to mount another bike, position it in front of the first bike and strap it securely onto the rack.