Will my Thule roof bars fit any car?
Thule roof bars are a popular choice for car owners looking to expand their vehicle's cargo capacity. However, one common question arises: will these roof bars fit any car? In this article, we’ll explore the compatibility of Thule roof bars and provide guidance on how to ensure they fit your specific vehicle.
Understanding Thule Roof Bar Compatibility
Thule roof bars are designed to be versatile and adaptable, but they are not universally compatible with every car. The fit depends on several factors, including your car's make, model, year, and whether it has existing roof rails or a bare roof. Thule offers a wide range of roof bar systems, each tailored to different vehicle types and roof configurations.
Key Factors That Determine Fit
To determine if Thule roof bars will fit your car, consider the following factors:
- Roof Type: Cars can have different roof types, such as raised roof rails, flush roof rails, fixed mounting points, or bare roofs. Thule provides specific mounting kits for each type.
- Vehicle Dimensions: The width and shape of your car's roof play a role in selecting the correct roof bar size and style.
- Thule Fit Guide: Thule offers an online fit guide that allows you to input your car's details to find compatible roof bars and mounting kits.
Steps to Ensure Proper Fit
Follow these steps to ensure your Thule roof bars fit your car correctly:
- Check your car's roof type and measure its dimensions.
- Visit the Thule website or consult their fit guide to find the recommended roof bar system for your vehicle.
- Purchase the appropriate mounting kit if required. Some cars need additional components to secure the roof bars.
- Install the roof bars according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring they are securely attached.
What to Do If Your Car Isn’t Compatible
If your car isn’t compatible with Thule roof bars, don’t worry. There are alternative solutions available:
- Consider other brands that may offer roof bars designed for your specific vehicle.
- Look into custom roof rack systems that can be professionally installed.
- Explore trunk-mounted or hitch-mounted cargo solutions as an alternative to roof bars.
Conclusion
While Thule roof bars are highly adaptable, they are not guaranteed to fit every car. By understanding your vehicle’s roof type and using Thule’s fit guide, you can find the right solution for your needs. If you’re unsure or need assistance, feel free to reach out to a professional for guidance. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with your car accessory and maintenance needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Thule and Yakima racks interchangeable?
The Fit. The vast majority of vehicles out there have supported roof rack fits from both Yakima and Thule.
What is the difference between Thule Rack and Rhino?
Both systems are designed to work on vehicle's that have the flush mounted rail system and both systems will be about the same in terms of effort for installing and removing. They have similar crossbar designs and features but Rhino-Rack has crossbars that are 7" longer at 54" versus the 47" for the Thule system.
Can you put a Thule on any car?
Thule products and cargo carrying accessories can be mounted to many different vehicles, depending on the product and the vehicle they are being mounted to. The easiest way to find which Thule products are compatible with your vehicle is to use the interactive online expert advisor, found on the product category page.
Are Thule roof racks car specific?
For each car brand and model, there is a Thule roof rack solution that fits. To find the right roof rack, head to our Roof Rack Systems page and click “Select Vehicle”. Then, enter your car brand, model, and year – and you will get the perfect roof rack solution for your car.
Are Thule fit kits necessary?
Thule fit kits are small but vital components in securing a Thule roof rack.
How fast can you drive with a Thule?
130 km/h.
Care should be taken in all driving conditions to maintain control at a safe speed, but must, under no circumstances, exceed 130 km/h. Applicable speed limits and other traffic regulations must always be observed.
How do I know if Thule will fit my car?
To find the right roof bars for your car, head over to the Thule roof rack page. There you will find a filter that lets you enter your car details. Once the correct car model has been selected, you will see a list of roof bars that fit your car.
Can roof racks be used on different cars?
Although many of the roof bars we sell have been designed to fit most vehicles, it's still important to check compatibility. The easiest way to do this is to use our handy online tool. Simply enter your vehicle registration number, select your roof type, then we'll show you recommendations for your vehicle.
Do Thule boxes affect gas mileage?
There is a definite mpg hit and you can hear it with the wind hitting the box. I have the Thule xl on a 2015, which is second down from the biggest. It's 3-5mpg hit for me. Instead of 25-27mpg, can get 20-24mpg average.
Are Thule roof bars interchangeable?
So you can for example use an old Thule Aerobar on a new Thule Evo footpack. For the previous and current Thule Edge systems there is no compatibility between them. Car specific Kits are compatible with the system they were designed for only.
