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Will my Thule roof bars fit any car?

The short answer is no, Thule roof bars are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The compatibility of Thule roof bars depends on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. However, Thule offers a wide range of roof bar systems designed to fit a variety of car types. With the right Thule product, you can find a secure and reliable roof rack solution for your specific vehicle.


Understanding Thule Roof Bar Compatibility


Thule roof bars are engineered to provide a secure and stable platform for carrying various types of cargo on your vehicle's roof. However, the fit and installation of Thule roof bars can vary depending on the characteristics of your car. Factors such as the car's make, model, year, and roof type (e.g., flush-mounted, raised, or fixed) all play a role in determining the appropriate Thule roof bar system.


Choosing the Right Thule Roof Bars for Your Car


To ensure a proper fit, Thule recommends using their online fit guide or consulting with a Thule retailer. By entering your vehicle's information, you can find the specific Thule roof bar system that is designed to work with your car. This includes identifying the correct fit kit, which provides the necessary mounting hardware and instructions for a secure installation.


Tips for Selecting Thule Roof Bars



  • Measure your car's roof: Knowing the width and length of your car's roof will help you choose the right size Thule roof bars.

  • Consider your cargo needs: Thule offers a variety of roof bar styles and load capacities to accommodate different types of cargo, such as bikes, skis, or luggage.

  • Check for compatibility: Use Thule's online fit guide or consult with a retailer to ensure the roof bars you select are compatible with your specific vehicle.

  • Follow installation instructions: Proper installation is crucial for the safety and security of your Thule roof bars. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.


By taking the time to select the right Thule roof bars for your car, you can enjoy a secure and reliable roof rack system that meets your transportation needs.

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.



Are Thule fit kits necessary?


Thule fit kits are small but vital components in securing a Thule roof rack.



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.



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.



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.



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 and Yakima racks interchangeable?


The Fit. The vast majority of vehicles out there have supported roof rack fits from both Yakima and Thule.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.