Automotive Weatherstripping for Cars & Trucks

Having a properly working automotive stripping rubber weather seal throughout your vehicle ensures that rain, car wash water, and other elements stay out of the inside. This provides a better driving experience and reduces wear and tear on interior parts as moisture can corrode components or ruin upholstery and carpet over time.

In addition to keeping water and moisture out of the vehicle interior, automotive weatherstripping also keeps wind noise down by providing the proper seal between components and eliminating any gap that is present. This stops any whistling and breeze noises from being heard inside the vehicle and improves driver comfort as well as the driving experience.

Automotive weatherstripping is a flexible and skinny seal that is used between moving body parts and the body such as a car door (front or rear door), hood, and trunk/hatch as well as between glass or trim and the body like the windshield channel. The purpose of weatherstripping is to keep rain and other elements out of the interior and to reduce wind noise while driving.

Most automotive weatherstripping is made from rubber or a mix of plastic and rubber. Sunroof weatherstripping is often made from silicone, which handles the higher temperatures the roof can encounter in warmer climates.

Whether it's the rubber seal on a car door or the trunk lid area, replacing damaged weatherstripping is always recommended as a permanent solution versus a repair. However, black RTV sealant or rubber bonding adhesive has been helpful in repairing damaged weatherstripping in most cases with varying outcomes.

The best way to clean an automotive window seal strip or door weatherstripping is by wiping it down or gently scrubbing (if necessary) using a mild detergent in warm water. Doing this each season is recommended to keep it clean and increase the life of the weatherstripping.

Depending on the year, make, and model vehicle, the directions for installing an automotive weatherstripping kit can vary. However, replacement begins with cleaning the mounting surfaces for the seals for most vehicles. Any old seals (if present) need to be completely removed, and all dirt, dust, or self adhesives need to be removed entirely to allow proper installation. Next, the correct automotive weatherstripping replacement piece in place to confirm it has the right length and shape, whether flat, round or a different design. Finally, using automotive weatherstripping adhesive or self- adhesive tape (depending on the application and manufacturer's instructions), the weatherstripping is put into place. Test opening and closing the car door, the hood, or deck lid, and any glass window that moves up and down (if applicable) to confirm proper operation and adjust if not correctly working.

The best option to coat automotive stripping to prevent freezing and sticking is a non-stick silicone spray. Silicone spray will prevent automotive rubber seals from sticking to body parts, making any door weatherproof in the winter as well as reducing the chances of torn rubber, as it sticks to doors on those cold winter days.