Do bike racks rust if left (ex. trunk mount)? Is it best to remove when not in use?
I have a bike attached to my trunk, but not always attached to my bike. Should I keep attributed mainly when it rains or it is better than in the trunk and can not stand when I intend to use it?
If you are not going to use it for an extended period of time, take it off, just so you don’t damage your car. Most racks are made out of aluminum, therefore will not rust, but the constant vibration/motion can damage the car.
I’d take it off. First, although aluminum doesn’t rust, anything that’s steel (bolts, brackets, clips, etc) will still rust, and anything plastic that’s left in the sun will fade, crack & deteriorate. So it won’t last as long.
Then any dirt or sand that gets trapped under the rubber feet that touch your car will slowly rub and scratch (or wear down) the painted surface.
Also, it seems like most trunk racks go on and off easily by design, so someone could take it just as easily.
If you’re using it every day, you might want to invest in a roof rack system like Yakima or Thule. I’ve had both. They’re really solid and made to stay on your roof long term, but it’s a big jump in cost, unless you buy a used roof rack.
I wouldn’t leave it on. It could start to rub the paint off. Take it off when you aren’t going to be using it.