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  1. #1
    Established Member Two Rings photocycler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 07 2015
    AZ Member #
    336444
    Location
    United States

    Roof Racks and Window Trim Longevity

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    About to install some Yakima roof racks on my 2016 A3, the shop advised that the Q towers will cause indents and could potentially damage my window trim due to the metal mounts. Anyone experience this? I would run the racks most likely year round.

  2. #2
    Established Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    Sep 13 2015
    AZ Member #
    355317
    Location
    Hell City, Az.

    I had the Yakima and Thule load bars and towers on my Evo, never had an issue.
    I have Audi OEM on my S3, and don't have an issue so far. I don't use them year round, but 3-4 months out of the year.

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Three Rings
    Join Date
    Oct 30 2012
    AZ Member #
    103194
    Location
    Arizona

    When I install/uninstall my THULE roof rack...I put some microfiber towels on the roof where the towers come into contact...that way I don't get any scratches or dents. I do have clear film on the roof where the towers mount up but you can never be too careful.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Three Rings DarkSideGTI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 05 2008
    AZ Member #
    24943
    Location
    SL,UT

    you can put down clear bra or vinyl to help reduce scratches, but it won't do much to help dents from the towers clamping down on the trim.
    2017 Avalanche Raptor
    2015 Monsoon Grey S3

  5. #5
    Veteran Member Three Rings JGreen76's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 05 2008
    AZ Member #
    29591
    Location
    Houston, TX

    I have the Q towers. As long as you keep the stickers on the brackets that hold it to the car, you're good. I use my racks often.


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  6. #6
    Established Member Two Rings pinpointsnipe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 25 2011
    AZ Member #
    81677
    Location
    Fairfax VA

    Ran my thule aeroblade for the last 6 months with laminx underneath. Had no dents/scratches or anything, also there was no issue with the weather stripping on the window, flexed right back to normal. You will be good!
    2015 A3 8V - Brilliant Black

  7. #7
    Veteran Member Four Rings bwoy1981's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 28 2006
    AZ Member #
    12947
    My Garage
    2005 Porsche 911 997 Manual, 2022 Hyundai Tuscon
    Location
    Orlando, Florida USA

    Is there a Whisper bar kit for the 2016 A3/S3 as yet? I'm looking for a roof rack that's very low profile. I don't care to have my sunroof open while the kit is on but I haven't seen a kit like this as yet.
    Current: 2022 E-Tron Sportback Premium Plus, Siam Beige, S-Line, Black Optic Package, 22x10.5 Vossen HF'5's, 285/35/22 Continental DWS 06 PLUS

    TOY: 2005 Porsche 911 997 Carrara White / Black Interior 6 Speed manual, Aero Kit,
    BC Racing Coilovers, FABSpeed Exhaust, Headers & Intake, 991 GT3RS Reps "GOLD"

  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings diztek's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 20 2004
    AZ Member #
    3546
    My Garage
    2016 S3, RETIRED: Audi A4 1.8TQ usp
    Location
    Paradise Valley, AZ

    i always use blue painters tape when i use my racks. easy on easy off.
    2016 AUDI S3 Prem+ Monsoon Grey

    RETIRED:Audi A4 1.8t UltraSport - USP CLUB MEMBER #90
    Apikol Snub Mount-United Motorsport stage 2-Bosch 440cc-VR6 maf-034Motor Mounts-AWE Exhaust-RS4 Rear Sway-OEM DSMIC-Evo Billet DV-Podi Boost Gauge-Stasis SS Coilovers

  9. #9
    Established Member Two Rings pinpointsnipe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 25 2011
    AZ Member #
    81677
    Location
    Fairfax VA

    Quote Originally Posted by bwoy1981 View Post
    Is there a Whisper bar kit for the 2016 A3/S3 as yet? I'm looking for a roof rack that's very low profile. I don't care to have my sunroof open while the kit is on but I haven't seen a kit like this as yet.
    They have been out since release in Australia, but still hasnt made its way to the US. I inquired about it a year ago though, so I am not sure if they have made any progress.
    2015 A3 8V - Brilliant Black

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