The Temptation to Buy from Halfords
If you’re planning a family holiday, a Christmas getaway, or even a university drop-off, one of the first places many people look for extra storage is Halfords. A quick Google search for “roof box Halfords” shows pages of shiny roof boxes and roof bars, promising easy installation and plenty of extra space.
But before you click add to basket, it’s worth asking: how often will I actually use this? Because while buying outright might seem like a one-time investment, the real costs — financial, practical, and even safety-related — tell a different story.
That’s where West Midlands Roof Box Hire offers a smarter, more cost-effective alternative.
The True Cost of Buying a Roof Box from Halfords
Let’s break down the typical costs of buying roof storage equipment from Halfords.
- Roof Bars: £150 – £250 (depending on vehicle type and brand)
- Roof Box: £450 – £600 (for a mid-range or premium Thule model)
So before you’ve even lifted your luggage, you’re already spending between £600 and £850 — and that doesn’t include fitting. Halfords does offer fitting services, but there’s usually a fitting charge of £25–£40, and that’s just for installation. You’ll still need to remove and store the box later.
Now compare that with hiring. A 7-day hire from West Midlands Roof Box Hire typically costs a fraction of the purchase price — much less than what you’d pay just for roof bars. If you only use a roof box once or twice a year (as most people do), it’s easy to see which option makes more sense financially.
How Often Do You Really Need It?
Ask yourself honestly: how often do you go on a trip that needs a roof box? For most people, it’s a handful of occasions — a summer holiday, a long weekend, or a festive trip to see family.
Owning a roof box means you’re paying hundreds for something that sits in the garage 95% of the year. You’re responsible for maintaining, cleaning, and storing it. You’re also gambling on whether it’ll fit your next car.
In contrast, hiring gives you flexibility. You only pay when you need it — no clutter, no maintenance, and no depreciation. When your trip’s over, you simply return it. No hassle, no wasted space.
Storage Space: The Problem Nobody Talks About
Roof boxes are bulky — even when empty. A large box (like the 580-litre Thule Motion XT) can be around 2 metres long and weighs over 20kg.
If you’ve ever tried to store one, you’ll know how awkward they are. Garages, lofts, and sheds aren’t ideal — they take up valuable space and are easily damaged. Hiring completely eliminates that problem.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we store, clean, and maintain every box for you. You simply collect it when needed, and we handle everything else.
Professional Fitting vs. DIY Guesswork
When you buy from Halfords, you either pay extra for fitting, or try to install it yourself. DIY fitting sounds easy, but incorrect installation is one of the main causes of roof box accidents — including boxes coming loose at motorway speeds. That’s a risk no one wants to take with family in the car.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, every roof box is professionally fitted and checked by experienced staff, ensuring correct alignment, secure mounting, and that all locks, seals, and brackets are fully tested. You get total peace of mind that your luggage is safe — without the stress or guesswork.
Maintenance and Longevity
Like anything exposed to the elements, roof boxes wear over time. UV light, rain, and grit can damage seals and hinges, meaning a purchased box may not last as long as you’d hope — especially if it’s stored outdoors.
When you hire, you’re always getting top-quality, well-maintained equipment. At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we regularly replace stock with the latest Thule models, so customers always use premium, modern equipment — without paying premium prices.
Peace of Mind and Professional Service
Buying a roof box might seem simple, but if something goes wrong — a damaged fitting, a noisy drive, or a leak — you’re on your own.
Hiring from a trusted local business like West Midlands Roof Box Hire means you have direct support whenever you need it. We pride ourselves on excellent communication, flexibility, and reliability — as shown in our many 5 STAR Google reviews.
Whether it’s a last-minute booking, a fitting adjustment, or advice on the right size for your car, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Halfords vs. Local Hire: The Big Picture
| Feature | Buying from Halfords | Hiring from West Midlands Roof Box Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £600–£850 | From under £100 per trip |
| Fitting | Extra charge or DIY | Included and professionally fitted |
| Storage | Bulky, takes up space | None required |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Fully maintained for you |
| Flexibility | Tied to one car | Hire for any vehicle |
| Support | Limited | Personal, local support |
When you see the comparison laid out clearly, the smarter choice is obvious.
Final Thoughts
Halfords remains a trusted name for car accessories, and their roof boxes are good products. But for most people, the convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind that come with hiring far outweigh the ownership benefits.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we make the whole process effortless:
No large upfront costs
Professional fitting and removal
High-quality Thule roof boxes
Excellent customer support
So before you spend hundreds on a roof box from Halfords, ask yourself — do you really need to own one? If the answer is “not very often,” then hiring isn’t just the practical choice — it’s the smart one.
Contact Details:
westmidlandsroofboxhire.co.uk
westmidlandsroofboxhire@gmail.com
07903 839112
