Roof Types

When selecting the correct roof rack system for your car or van, it's essential that you know the type of roof that your car has as Thule manufacture roof racks to fit 5 main types of roofs:

1. Roof with Raised Rails
2. Roof with Flush Rails
3. Roof with fix point attachments
4. "Normal roof" without rails or fix points
5. Roof with rain gutters

Our simply guide below aims to help you identity your vehicle's roof type

1. Roof Racks for Cars with Raised Rails

Raised rails run along both sides of the roof, raised from the roof with space to fit your hand between the railing and roof

2. Roof Racks for Cars with Flush Rails

Flush rails run along both sides of the roof, unlike raised rails you cannot fit your hand between the railings and roof.

3. Roof Racks for Cars with Fixed Points

Roofs with fixed points normally have factory fitted attachment points covered by plastic/rubber blanks. 

4. Roof Racks for Cars without rails or fixed points

Cars without raised or flush railings or fix points are referred to as "normal roof" by Thule, roof packs for these roofs clamp around the side of the roof.

5. Roof Racks for Cars with Rain Gutters

Traditional roof rack systems that clamp onto rain gutters, more often wound on commercial vans or older vehicles.