Munster Towbars

Safe Products – A Corner Stone for Thule’s Product Development

Being the market leader within Car Racks and Accessories for transportation of goods and equipment, Thule has always been in the forefront when it comes to product safety. Over the years this has led to continuous heavy investments in technique, to enhance the development of safe products.

The product safety is also dependent on the correct fitting and mounting of the product. The importance of clear and user friendly mounting instructions therefore play a crucial role in the product development at Thule.

Which products are tested?

All Thule products undergo standardised tests, supplemented by product type specific tests before being launched

What types of tests are performed?

Examples of tests include extreme temperature tests, UV tests, corrosion tests, vibration tests, towing tests, driving tests, incorrect usage and collision tests.

What is a City Crash test and what significance does this have for using the product on a daily basis?

The City Crash test is a method of testing that a product complies with ISO 11154 and DIN 75302 standards. The test simulates a full frontal car crash at a speed of min 18 kmph. In so doing, the product is subjected to extreme forces, approx 10G which are the equivalent of a load of 1000kg on the roof during rapid braking or 100kg true load in a frontal crash. To be approved, the product must not come loose from the roof rack or the car to which it is attached. .

What can I personally do to ensure that I am using the product in the correct way?

In the case of all testing, as with everyday use of Thule products, it is very important that mounting is done correctly in accordance with the mounting instructions that are included with all products.

How do I drive safely with a roof box mounted?

A roof box doesn’t only mean a great deal of additional space. It also means adapting your way of driving to the new conditions resulting from your car’s increased height and weight. Your car will be more sensitive to crosswinds. Check whether the roof box and the load carrier are correctly fastened to the car – especially important during long journeys. In the absence of any existing speed restriction, we recommend a maximum speed of 130 km/h (85 mph). A loaded box causes a shift in the centre of gravity which leads to changes in behaviour in curves and when braking. The height of the vehicle is increased by up to 60 cm! Take care in the event of low garage doorways or low bridges!

How fast can I drive with Thule products mounted to my car?

There is no general rule. Transporting items of various weights, shapes and sizes alter the way your car behaves in certain situations. Speed should be adjusted to suit the load being carried, other parameters such as road conditions, wind, traffic intensity and so on, and of course, traffic regulations as well. With a load on the roof, the vehicle’s driving characteristics, its braking performance and its sensitivity to side-winds may change.

Thule Warranty

All Thule branded products have a 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship!

THULE will warranty load carrier systems, roof boxes and accessories produced by THULE and sold under the brand name THULE, to the original purchaser up to five years from the date of the original retail purchase to be free from defect in materials or workmanship.

Subject to the limitations and exclusions below, THULE remedy defects in material or workmanship during the warranty period, by repairing or replacing (at Thule’s option) the defective component(s) without charge for parts or labor to the original purchaser. The purchaser will be responsible for the cost of returning the component(s)/product(s) and the proof of purchase back to the place where the product was purchased. No warranty is given for defects resulting from conditions beyond Thule’s control including, but not limited to, misuse, overloading, or from failure to assemble, mount or use the load carrier or accessory(s) in accordance with written THULE instructions, guidelines and safety text.

No warranty is given for defects caused by accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or defects/inconsistencies in the vehicle upon which the product is installed.

No warranty is given for defects caused by the user’s failure to properly secure cargo as recommended by THULE.

Repair or replacement of the defective THULE product is the original purchaser’s exclusive remedy under the warranty. All consequential and incidental damages are excluded under this warranty. Damage to the user’s vehicle, cargo or to any other person or property is excluded.

The above provisions do not restrict the consumer or customer’s statutory rights according to the relevant compulsory national law. Nor do they affect the right towards the dealer from the purchase contract concluded between the two parties. In particular this shall apply for guarantee rights which remain in full.