Review on 🏕️ Enhanced Roof Mat Padding for Car Top Carriers and Bags: Seattle Sports Sherpak SuperMat – Protective & Non-Slip by Mario Madden

I think the cushion will come in handy if you're definitely going to be using the trunk of a car. I've ridden with and without padding many times and haven't noticed any damage without padding. But I feel better when the weights slide off and put heavy objects on the roof with the fairing. I think I'd say it's ideal, but not essential. Personally, I always worry about having a load on my car and I'm a little more comfortable with a pillow. It also comes in handy as a tabletop when you need to organize equipment/tools/parts for a project.