Are roof rails more secure for roof bars than standard fittings.?

yea

I`ve just changed from a car with no roof bars to one that has them. Roof racks are not very common these days, get the bars that sit on rubber feet and are clamped to the gutters.In the handbook for my old car it showed the points at which the bars should be fitted,ie, not too far from the window pillars so there is support below.It also gave the maximum weight that can be carried which is the important thing if carrying ladders etc.Look at the weight the car can take and check the weight limits of the new bars.

I did thousands of miles with my 37kg canoe on the roof of my old car with no problems,just remember to check the fittings regularly and if you carry anything long secure both ends to the front and rear tow rings to prevent the load sliding forward if you brake hard( as well as to the bars,of course) It`s worth buying good quality bars for peace of mind and they usually have locks on so you can keep them longer!

They are only as safe as the fixing points,top roof rails are normally very secure but roof racks are just clipped to the guttering channel.The metal is very thin, the securing points very localised, not spreading stress,and they need checking regularly, on a trip for security at each en route stop for safety.In high winds it is very wise to keep your speed down ,this applies to normal weather also really and avoid hard braking by looking well ahead of the vehicles in front and being ready.