Car Weather Stripping Replacement Guide

Car weather stripping or extrusion rubber profiles are integral components of every vehicle. Like other vehicle parts, car weather stripping also requires replacement and maintenance. However, the replacement period is less frequent than that of other vehicle components. Usually, the standard time for car weather stripping replacement is approximately after every 20 years.

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There are so many types of car weather stripping. Knowing all these stripping types and their respective places is necessary for every vehicle owner. Therefore, we came up with this article that includes types of car weather stripping and their respective positions on the vehicle, typical car weather stripping defects, and DIY replacement procedures.

Automotive weatherstripping positions

Automotive weather stripping or car rubber seal strips protect drivers and passengers from unfavorable weather. Car weather stripping fills the gap between vehicle components, preventing air, water, and dust particles from entering. These strips make the car&#;s inside environment comfortable. Car weather stripping also helps in fuel economy.

The importance of car weather stripping in the automotive industry is enormous. There is no vehicle created on this planet that has no stripping seals. On the other hand, the automotive weather stripping design and size varies based on different types of cars, such as SUVs, sedans, crossovers, convertibles, coupes, and minivans. Each seal strip gets a unique name and shape based on its respective installation place. Moreover, the vehicle parts&#; positions also divide the types of car weather stripping.

Car door rubber seal

There are four doors in typical private cars. Each entry has these seal strips with the vehicle&#;s door and the body. In this case, some vehicles may have two layers of sealing. These car weather strippings help prevent dirt and moisture from entering the cabin. Various fastening types of car door rubber seals include clips and adhesive tapes.

Car window seal strips

A typical private car has four windows: door, vent, and front and rear. Each of the windows requires a specific type of seal strip. Specifically, all these windows need six different car window seal strips: roof rail seal strips, vent window seals, beltline window sweeps, window channel seals, and front and rear window seals. &#;Car Window Seal Strips: A Basic Guide&#;  from the seashore rubber blog describes car window seals&#; fundamentals.

Hood and trunk seals

Hood seals fill the space between the car&#;s front hood and the engine compartment. On the other hand, truck seals fill the gap between the car&#;s back trunk hood and the trunk space. The importance of these seals is enormous. They keep the engine compartment safe from the external environment.

Cowl seals

Cowl Seals fill the space between the vehicle&#;s firewall and the rear part of the front hood. The primary function of these car weather stripping is to prevent fumes, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the vehicle&#;s cabin.

Others

In some of the vehicles, there is a window on top of the roof. To seal this window, sunroof seals are the most common. Besides, there are other car weather stripping seals: SUV bedside seals, inner and outer header seals, etc.

Car Weather Stripping Defects Symptoms

Let&#;s say your car is not 20 years old or more. But still, you do not feel comfortable while driving your vehicle. In this case, you will feel uncomfortable going if your car has weatherstripping issues. Let&#;s say you don&#;t know precisely where the problems are.

However, we have prepared some typical defect symptoms below to make it easy for you to understand the respective defects. If you face these symptoms, you can ensure that there&#;s a problem with the weather stripping in your vehicle.

Noise

While you were driving, did you hear excessive noise from the road? On the other hand, did you hear the whirring sound of the wind? If yes, there&#;s an obvious problem with the car weather stripping. If that noise suddenly becomes louder, you should immediately replace the automotive weather stripping.

You might hear other types of sounds: rattling and whistling. Rattling sound is the common cause of window channel seal defects. On the other hand, the whistling sound is the common cause of window trim channel defects. Replacing the car weather stripping can resolve these noise problems.

Water leaks

Have you felt about wetness around the windows and doors in your car? It is the most common symptom of car weather stripping defects. The water may come inside while driving in the rain due to defective weather stripping. These water droplets might make a damp area, leaving a smell over time. Moreover, you may also find moist water inside the trunk.

If you find these water damps or wetness problems, you should replace the seal strip as soon as possible. If you fail to replace them, the water damps might form mold and cause many health issues for you and the passengers.

Temperature Issue

It is also one of the most commonly defective car weather stripping symptoms. The primary role of car weatherstripping is to air-tighten the gap between the vehicle&#;s body parts so that the inside temperature remains constant. If you still feel hot or cold even if the AC is on, there&#;s an obvious issue with the automotive weather stripping.

This type of situation creates pressure on the vehicle&#;s air conditioner. If you fail to replace the seal strip, the air conditioner might stop working due to overload. Besides, the car battery may also lose its lifelong stability.

Others

Cracks or holes on the seal and stiffy seal are the other symptoms you might face. Usually, the new car rubber seal strips have no cracks or holes. If the car window seal has holes and gaps visible to the eyes, you should replace the seal strip as soon as possible.

On the other hand, if the car weather strip is not soft or doesn&#;t bounce back if you poke it, it is evident that this weatherstrip is old or faulty.

DIY Car Weather Stripping Replacement Process

Replacing rubber seals on a vehicle is easy and quick if you know these steps. If you face any of the above defective seal strip symptoms, immediately change the car weather stripping. By the way, we have prepared a DIY replacement procedure below.

1.       Remove the defective automotive weather stripping

Remove the defective seal strip from the specified place using a flathead screwdriver. Before removing the strip, ensure you have enough space. Otherwise, you might make some scratches on the car. However, gently remove all the pieces of the defective seal. Finally, ensure none of the rubber pieces is left.

2.       Clean the glued portion

Use good-quality adhesive removers to clean the glued portion. In this case, the adhesive removers you will use should specialize in cleaning surfaces and protecting them from moisture. After that, rub the surface using a rag. Continue rubbing until the metal surface is clean. Finally, use a paper towel to wipe off the place.

3.       Sand the metal frame

Sand the metal frame after washing it to provide a smooth, clean surface for the new automotive weather stripping. This step is crucial to installing or replacing new weather stripping. The same weather stripping problem will appear if the surface needs smoother and cleaner. In this case, fine-grit sandpaper is a must.

4.       Add adhesives

Seal adhesive is a glue-like substance that binds the metal frame and the car weather stripping. Before adding the adhesive, it&#;s better to check the rubber seal size. After ensuring the rubber seal fits nicely, add the adhesives to the metal surface. In addition, also add a thin layer of adhesive on the seal strip surface.

5.       Install the new automotive weather stripping

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Please wait for 5 to 6 minutes after applying the adhesive to allow it to harden slightly. Next, start laying the seal strip from the corner and work your way around to the opposite side. Ensuring there are no gaps between the strip and frame is essential. To ensure the seal strip is sufficiently linked with the metal frame, press down on the rubber seal one last time.

6.       Add a layer of protection

It is essential to ensure the rubber seal won&#;t corrode further once mounted on the metal frame. To do that, use a silicone lubricant capable of withstanding temperatures between -35 and 200 degrees Celsius and shielding the rubber from moisture and dust.

How much does it cost to replace weather stripping on a car?

A typical private car costs $150 &#; $800 to replace the car weather stripping. This price range depends on the type of car rubber seal strips you are changing and the type of replacement method. If you can change the seal strip on your own, the price will be lower.

On the other hand, if you need more confidence to do DIY replacing, you want to take your to a qualified repair service station, and then the price will change accordingly. Moreover, The car weather stripping replacement cost depends on the vehicle model and age.

Summary

Car weather stripping is an integral part of every vehicle. This seal strip protects the vehicle&#;s functional components and protects the driver and passenger from a harsh environment. Therefore, proper maintenance is necessary to maintain the quality of the weather stripping.

Noise, water leaks, temperature, and quality issues are the common symptoms of a defective car weather stripping. If you face these symptoms, we recommend changing the seal strip immediately. The DIY replacement process is simple and easy. If you need more confidence, you can also look for an expert.

Above all, whether you are a retail or wholesale seller, you can talk to our seal strip experts to know more about the types and sizes of car weather stripping.

Weather stripping on our cars is an unsung hero. We rarely notice it, but if we didn&#;t have it, driving around would be a noisy, wet and miserable experience.

&#;Weather stripping, like the spare tire, or sway bar links, are totally ignored until they go bad or are damaged,&#; says master technician, author and instructor Bob Lacivita. &#;But they are important to your driving experience, comfort and health.&#;

Weather strip on cars (aka gasket) is apt to get damaged if it freezes to the door frame or glass, then tears when you open the door or trunk. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can also break down, or dry rot, the rubber, causing it to leak, lose shape or get folded.

&#;Although weather stripping is resilient, normal wear and tear, such as dragging your feet getting into and out of your car, or moving items in and out of the trunk, can quickly damage the rubber seal,&#; says Lacivita.

If that happens, it&#;s usually a DIY job, but you might want to call a pro if:

• It&#;s glued in (vs. held in with clips, channel or friction), in which case cleaning the channel the stripping sits in can be frustrating and time-consuming;
• There is tricky interior trim to take off, which you&#;re worried about breaking;
• The strip being replaced is specific to your vehicle, and the part is difficult to locate.

What Is Car Weather Stripping and What Does It Do?

Car weather stripping is the rubbery lining that seals the gaps between the vehicle body and the doors, windows, trunk, hood and windshield. Weather stripping on a car serves various purposes:

• Keeps out rain, snow, air and critters
• Helps prevent interior mold and mildew
• Helps maintain air quality
• Insulates passengers from hot and cold outside temperatures
• Protects vehicle from damage
• Enhances driving comfort
• Maintains vehicle appearance and resale value

&#;To test weather stripping fit, place a dollar bill between the weather strip and the part being sealed,&#; says Lacivita. &#;Feeling resistance when pulling the bill out signifies a good seal.&#;

If you suspect you have a weather stripping issue, here&#;s how to repair, replace and maintain weather stripping on a car.

When to Replace Weather Stripping

If you see dry rot or chunks missing, it&#;s time to replace your weather stripping. Also, if you have wind noise or water leaking near the door frames, check them for damage.

&#;It does get damaged by dry rot, or exposure to the heat of the sun and the cold of the winter,&#; says Thomas Patterson, Director of New Product Development and Technical Training at Glass Doctor. &#;Expanding and contracting causes fatigue in the EPDM [rubber] and causes it to loosen.&#;

How to Repair Weather Stripping on a Car

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Tools

• Flathead screwdriver
• 90-degree picks (to clean out channel retainer tracks)
• Sandpaper
• Clean, dust free rags
• Microfiber towels
• Utility knife (optional)

Materials

• Replacement weather stripping
• Adhesive remover
• Weather strip adhesive
• Silicone spray
• Silicone gel (optional)
• Low adhesion paper tape or clamps (optional)
• Foam backer rod (optional, for repairs)

Time: 20 minutes to several hours

Cost: varies

Complexity: beginner

Step 1: Assess the damage

If you only have small tears or cuts, you can probably patch those with weather strip adhesive (be careful, it&#;s really sticky). Make sure to promptly wipe off any excess glue using a cloth and solvent-based liquid cleaner.

Similarly, if your weather strip is just falling or popping out a little, use a few drops of weather strip adhesive to hold it in place.

If your weather strip has lost shape or gotten folded over, you may also be able to repair it by cutting a small opening with a utility knife and inserting a piece of foam backer rod (lubricate it with silicone first). Use a metal rod or coat hanger to push it in.

Step 2: Remove the old strip

If you can&#;t repair your weather stripping, you&#;ll need to replace it.

• Gently peel the old weather stripping from the door or opening.
• Be careful to avoid damaging the paint.

Step 3: Clean the area

• Spray the area where the old weather stripping was with an adhesive remover.
• Use the cloth and picks to wipe away adhesive residue and other debris. &#;The channel or mounting surface must be absolutely spotless of any glue, residue or old weather stripping,&#; says Lacivita.
• Let all areas dry completely.

Step 4: Apply new adhesive

• Test (or dry fit) the weather stripping to ensure it fits into the area and matches the original strip&#;s size and shape. If it doesn&#;t, trim it accordingly.
• If your new weather stripping doesn&#;t come with a pre-coated adhesive attached, apply a thin and even strip of adhesive to the vehicle surface where the new strip will be attached.
• Adhere to any manufacturer instructions for adhesive application and drying recommendations.

Pro-tip: &#;I recommend 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive,&#; says Lacivita. &#;I am not a fan of 3M Yellow Weather Strip adhesive. Once it fully cures, it&#;s worse than contact cement to remove.&#;

Step 5: Install the weather stripping.

• Carefully position the new weather stripping onto the adhesive.
• Press it firmly in place.
• Use tape or clamps to hold the strip in place until the adhesive dries. If you&#;re not using low-adhesion tape, apply a little silicone underneath so it doesn&#;t rip out the new weather stripping when you go to remove it.

&#;It&#;s vital to allow the adhesive to cure and bond to the surface of the door!&#; says Patterson. &#;During this time, do not close the door before it&#;s done curing as it can cause the strip to shift.&#;

Step 6: Test and clean up.

• When the adhesive is set up, test it by gently opening and closing the door.
• Inspect for gaps in the adhesion.
• Use a clean cloth to remove excess adhesive.

How to Maintain Car Weather Stripping

Maintaining weather stripping on a car will help keep it soft and flexible. From time to time, or when you find dust and debris on the weather stripping:

• Use car wash soap and soft brush to clean it &#; especially the back side of weather stripping where dirt, grit and debris easily can build up &#; plus any vehicle doors or other parts that come into contact with it.
• Dry it completely using a microfiber towel.
• Apply silicone-based rubber protectant or silicone paste (use paste sparingly), until the rubber looks slightly wet. Lacivita recommends using a spray-pump protectant vs. an aerosol-based one because some propellants in aerosols can harm rubber.
• Apply a second coat of protectant, if the weather stripping is old and dry.

&#;A good coating of any silicone-based protectant can always extend the life of the weatherstrip,&#; says Patterson. &#;When detailing the inside of the car, use the same protectant on the seals you used on the leather or vinyl trim.&#;

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Weather Stripping?

It depends. A roll of generic self-stick or friction weather stripping costs less than $25. &#;On the other hand, a vehicle-specific weather strip that requires removing trim, or removing the sunroof, can run up to $800,&#; Lacivita says.

FAQs

Can you drive without weather stripping?

Yes, but why? says Lacivita. &#;Besides being open to the elements and annoyed with road noise and parts slamming into each other, driving without weather stripping would be uncomfortable since the HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for temperature changes.&#;

How long does weather stripping last?

If cared for properly, it should last the lifetime of your vehicle. &#;I would highly doubt that any normal vehicle owner will ever need to replace such items on their car,&#; says Patterson.

How do you know what kind of weather stripping to use for your car?

If your weather stripping is vehicle or part specific, you&#;ll need to order it from a dealer or an aftermarket supplier. You can also try to carefully remove a small piece to determine what type you need, such as if it fits into a channel, attaches with clips or is glued to the vehicle&#;s body. If you&#;re lucky, you can save money by ordering a generic roll.

About the Experts

Bob Lacivita was an award-winning General Motors master technician for 27 years and has been an ASE master technician since . For 25 years, he also worked as an automotive technical educator and administrator. Today he writes about DIY car repairs and vehicle maintenance for Family Handyman, Reader&#;s Digest and other outlets.

Thomas Patterson is Director of New Product Development and Technical Training at Glass Doctor. He has been in the glass business for 45 years and worked on thousands of vehicles. Glass Doctor is a Neighborly Company, with more than 300 retail locations.

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