Can this bike rack stay on the car all the time (i.e. during rain, snow, etc.) or would you recommend removing it?
1246248
It can stay on, but I wouldn't recommend it. I parked out on the street overnight and somehow someone was able to steal it right off the car without damaging my car. Hope this helps.
1246249
We left it on the car for three days with the bikes as we drove across the East Coast. It rained twice and we had no issues but all the time I would question.
1246250
This model did not work on my car like it said it would, i returned the product and purchased one that bolts to your car frame underneath and has a post that come up and is on the back that you attach your bike to, it works much better on a car that has a hatchback.
1246251
it can stay on the car. It may cause some interference when you open and close the trunk with the bike rack on the trunk, may depend on the car
1308939
You would need to remove the bikes and fold the upright post down. Bikes come on and off very quickly - no big deal and the upright post comes down with a flick of a release catch.Best bike rack I have owned.Very unimpressed however with Niagara the supplier. Annoying to deal with.
986974
O rings have been secure enough for me, at least for the two months I have been using the mount. I'd suggest getting a couple of spares for each bike . . . just in case. How will extended periods of sun and rain affect them? As I said, just in case.
229594
as long as you grease the bolts before you put it together, it should be easy to take apart and store for the winter... as to how "heavy" is it, I would think that if you are active enough for using the bike rack you can handle the weight of the rack (I think the weight is just right for what its' use is intended)
822996
It depends on how safe an area you are parked in. I removed the bike rack when I arrived at my destination because I was in a high crime area for bicycles and related equipment. I wouldn't leave the bike rack on when you are not planning on transporting bikes. It's easy to remove and also impedes access to the trunk so I wouldn't leave it on if you are not actively using it.
1670295
I haven't used it in the rain, but I've definitely used it after it rained. I actually have it permenantly bolted to a car trailer that sits outside. I've had no issues.
1379371
I had mine on a motorcycle that encountered many torrential rains. Keep the cover on when not in use. I'm not sure I would even consider taking my bike through a car-wash.
518125
I had it outside for the summer through the fall and it endured a number of rainstorms. I haven't tried keeping it out in the winter, but I think it would do fairly well. The metal is strong and has a good powder coating on it, though I wouldn't press my luck if it was going to come in contact with salt over the winter. Regardless, it's easy enough to disassemble and store in a garage or basement.
758850
I kept mine out over the winter. We had a couple of heavy snowstorms. Not a problem. As far as rain, airtight so far -- have had it about a year.
500951
The paint on the rack comes off with use. I would imagine that even with moderate use it comes off fairly quick. With that being said, your protection against the elements goes away and it will be subject to rust. I would not recommend leaving it outdoors. Hope that helps.
115802
I would say yes. I have taken mine on several very steep and windy roads to ride my mountain bike. The rack never moved an inch. Securing the rack itself so it won't be stolen could be an issue, but it goes on and off easy enough to keep your bicycles and your rack safe.
899163
My husband keeps it the entire bicycle covered in the winter. He has had it two years now and it still looks like new. So if you take care of it, like most everything else, it will hold up for a life time I would say.
822993
My husband has used it once so far and he removed it and put it in the truck during the bike ride. It is weighty but it had to hold large bikes. If you leave it on someone can take it--my neighbor just leaves his on but it is a cheaper version of a bike rack, very old and he just uses it for one bike and takes the chance. The Allen Sports bike rack looks more expensive and substantial and it will be noticed in my opinion. I would rather have a nice bike ride and take the extra minutes to put it in the trunk and not be concerned about it. As far as I was able to research when I bought it--all bike racks can be stolen off the back of the car. Hopes this helps. My husband has used it once so far and he removed it and put it in the truck during the bike ride. It is weighty but it had to hold large bikes. If you leave it on someone can take it--my neighbor just leaves his on but it is a cheaper version of a bike rack, very old and he just uses it for one bike and takes the chance. The Allen Sports bike rack looks more expensive and substantial and it will be noticed in my opinion. I would rather have a nice bike ride and take the extra minutes to put it in the trunk and not be concerned about it. As far as I was able to research when I bought... » Read More My husband has used it once so far and he removed it and put it in the truck during the bike ride. It is weighty but it had to hold large bikes. If you leave it on someone can take it--my neighbor just leaves his on but it is a cheaper version of a bike rack, very old and he just uses it for one bike and takes the chance. The Allen Sports bike rack looks more expensive and substantial and it will be noticed in my opinion. I would rather have a nice bike ride and take the extra minutes to put it in the trunk and not be concerned about it. As far as I was able to research when I bought it--all bike racks can be stolen off the back of the car. Hopes this helps. « Show Less
1397398
We've left ours up for over a year - it has handled all kinds of weather (no snow). It would be difficult to take down continuously, but to take down and put up seasonally - no problem.
327199
I've ridden with my in the rain and it survived just fine. During one particularly heavy downpour during a long training ride I wrapped some cling wrap around it before attaching it to the bike but looking back I feel like that was probably unnecessary.
1631572
We had 4 bikes on it and none was hitting the car. However, the rack BROKE from the weight of the bikes (2 adult, 2 kids bikes) and the constant vibrations you get when you drive. Be careful! You don't want it to break while driving and have the bikes fall down on the road!
1860079
It is fine as long as you fasten it down as per the instructions. We have it out on the patio all winter and it never came off, even during snowstorms.