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Ensuring Safety when Transporting Cargo: Rigorous Testing at the Thule Test Center™
Safety and testing are at the forefront of all product development at Thule. Each child bike seat has met and surpassed the most stringent international safety standards, all without compensating for comfort and functionality.
Designed to protect both gear and people
Designed for durability and ease of use, our hard shell roof carriers provide a secure and convenient way to transport your belongings, ensuring you can bring everything you need wherever you go.
Risks of loose gear inside cars
Loose gear, much like an unsecured pet, becomes a dangerous projectile in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
Studies show that during a crash at 50 km/h (31 mph): A 2 kg (4.4 lbs) object can hit with a force of 60 kg (132 lbs). A heavier object like a 20 kg (44 lbs) bag can generate a force of 600 kg (1,322 lbs).
Projectiles in crashes
These projectiles can cause severe injuries or fatalities to passengers, particularly in head-on or rear-end collisions.
Tested to the limit
“Many of our products are built for something that they hopefully never will be put through – the extreme forces in an accident. And yes, of course it may seem over the top to test extremes. And, of course there are faster and easier ways to do it. But that would not be the Thule way."
Henrik Eriksson, Global Design Director.
Extreme testing
At the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp, Sweden, products go through extreme testing. Our cargo carriers are designed to carry your gear and fit your car as safely and securely as possible. Below are just a few examples of the many tests conducted.
Crash tests
We conduct multiple crash tests at different speeds and weights to see how the racks and cargo carrier protects its contents and the vehicle from damage.
Wear and tear simulations
Specialized tests that are used to evaluate the cargo carriers over time, to assess their durability and long-term performance.
Exposure tests
To evaluate the performance of cargo carriers under conditions that might be encountered during use, we expose them to extreme heat, cold, damp, sunlight and chemicals.
