You’re driving down the road and you hear a loud whoosh of wind coming into the cabin or worse, you notice water dripping inside after a rainstorm. It’s not only annoying; it can lead to long-term damage like rust or mold. If you’ve started noticing these issues, it’s probably time to replace your car’s weather stripping. Don’t worry; this is an easy job you can do yourself with a little guidance.
Weatherstripping on your car keeps out leaks and noise by sealing doors, windows, and trunks. To replace it, remove the old strip, clean the surface, and apply the new weatherstripping with adhesive for a tight seal.
Replacing your car’s weather stripping is a straightforward process that you can do with just a few tools. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide, common weather stripping failures, and the types of materials available for your replacement needs.
What Is Car Weather Stripping and What Does It Do?
Car weatherstripping is a rubber seal that goes around your doors, windows, and trunk to keep out the rain, dust, and wind. It also helps with insulation and noise reduction, giving you a quieter cabin. Over time, it can crack, shrink, or come loose, causing problems like leaks or increased cabin noise.
Common Car Weather Stripping Defects and Symptoms
When weather stripping starts to fail, you might notice:
- Water leaks: Water inside the car or wet floor mats after rain.
- Wind noise: A whistle or rushing air sound while driving at higher speeds.
- Difficulty closing doors: The door won’t close properly.
- Visible cracks: You can see cracking or hardening rubber.
How to Replace Automotive Weather Stripping?
Although replacing automotive weather stripping can seem daunting, it’s not that difficult if you break it down into steps:
- Remove the Old Weather Stripping: Start by removing the screws or clips that hold the old weather stripping in place. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pull the stripping away from the surface without gouging the paint or metal underneath.
- Clean the Surface: After you remove the old weather stripping, you need to clean the surface. Use a solvent like brake cleaner or adhesive remover to get all the old adhesive off.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin, even bead of weather-stripping adhesive to the cleaned surface. Be careful not to use too much because this adhesive is super sticky and difficult to clean up once it dries.
- Install the New Weather Stripping: Press the new weather stripping firmly into place, making sure you align it correctly with the door, window, or trunk frame. Make sure it sits down flush so you get a good seal.
- Test and Clean Up: After the adhesive dries, test the seal by closing the door or window and checking for gaps. Clean up any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.
How Do I Know What Type of Weather Stripping I Need?
Choosing the right kind of weather stripping is important for the longevity and effectiveness of the seal. Here’s how to decide what you need:
- Location: The location of the weather stripping on your car (door, window, trunk, etc.) will affect what kind of material you need. For example, the door weather stripping might need to be a bit tougher than the window seal.
- Material Durability: Common materials include rubber, vinyl, and foam. Rubber is the most durable and flexible. Foam is the cheapest, but it might not last as long. Think about the climate in your area. If your car is in the sun a lot or in the cold a lot, you might want to go with rubber.
When Should You Replace Car Weather Stripping?
Knowing when to replace the weather stripping on your car can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Here are some clear signs:
- It looks like crap: If you see cracks, tears, or flat spots in the weather stripping, it’s no longer sealing well.
- It’s louder inside the car: If you notice a lot more road noise when you’re driving, it could be because the weather stripping isn’t doing its job.
- You’re getting leaks: If you’re getting water inside your car after a rainstorm, or worse, after you go through a car wash, it’s a good sign your weather stripping has failed.
Conclusion
Replacing your car’s weather stripping is an easy and effective way to stop cabin noise, leaks, and long-term damage. By following these steps, you can do it yourself and save money. Checking and maintaining the weather stripping on your car regularly will help you keep it in top shape and give you peace of mind while you’re on the road.
