Keeping the exterior temperatures and weather conditions outside your car is vital to ensuring comfort for your passengers. It’s also a fantastic way to help you save money at the gas pump. A drawback of owning a car that is beginning to show its age is failing car door weather stripping.
Faulty weather stripping will let exterior temperatures and moisture enter the cabin, leading to discomfort and requiring more stress on your car’s heating and air conditioning. Learning to maintain your door weatherproofing is an excellent way to save money and enjoy a comfortable commute or road trip.
Luckily, you’ve found the right spot to learn more about weatherproofing your car doors and maintaining the work you’ve done. Continue reading to protect your car’s value today!
Step One: Assess the Rubber Seals
The first thing you’ll want to do when you notice your car door weather stripping beginning to fail is to analyze its condition. Open all car doors and windows to enhance the space you’re working with when analyzing your weather stripping. You’ll get a better angle to look at the rubber and create space to maneuver as needed.
Use a flathead screwdriver to work your way around the window and door seals. Use a gentle touch to avoid causing damage during this step. It’s best to remove the rubber weatherstripping to look for signs of damage and aging.
You can begin pulling the rubber away after removing a small section with the help of your screwdriver. Use caution when pulling the seal away to avoid causing damage. Cracking rubber can make removal more challenging than it needs to be.
Step Two: Remove Glue Residue
After removing your car door weather stripping, returning to the doors and windows is best to remove any leftover glue residue. You can use several products to loosen and remove the adhesive without scratching or damaging metal surfaces on your car.
Spray the adhesive with your chosen removal product and allow it to soak for a few minutes. After allowing the removal product a few minutes to work its magic, use a microfiber towel to remove the leftover glue from the original installation. Wipe the area down with a clean paper towel when you’re content with your work.
After cleaning the metal surfaces, it’s recommended to sand them down before renewing your efforts to install your new or repaired door weatherproofing. A fine-grained piece of sandpaper is the best option for your DIY needs.
Sand the space where the weather stripping will go. Use caution to avoid damaging your car’s paint during the installation process. It’s the best way to ensure a smooth and successful installation with a weather seal kit.
Step Three: Apply New Glue
Applying new glue to the weatherproofing seal is critical to keep it in place for years. Wait until the metal surfaces are clean and dry before using your new glue to secure the weather stripping. It’s also wise to ensure the rubber piece is an ideal size for your car’s doors or windows.
Apply glue to the rim of the seal and to the seal itself. It’s the most effective way to install the new weather stripping to avoid a frozen car door. Allow the glue to dry before testing the stability of your weather stripping.
Step Four: Add the New Rubber Weather Strips
Allow the glue to set for a few minutes before applying the new or repaired rubber weather strips to your car’s doors and window. The smooth surface you’ve created by sanding the metal surfaces will allow for the perfect connection when installing the weatherproofing kit.
Line up your seal and apply light pressure to ensure a connection between the rubber, glue, and metal. Start in one corner and use the pressure as you work your way to the opposite end. Avoid stretching the rubber to enjoy a precise fit when closing your car doors and windows.
When you’re pleased with the alignment, press the seal with more pressure to secure it in place for permanent peace of mind. Avoid closing your doors and windows until you’ve given the glue time to dry completely.
Step Five: Apply Silicone Spray
One of the best things you can do to maintain your rubber door and window seals is lubricate them. Weatherstripping fails primarily due to drying and cracking during the hot summer months.
After installation, spraying the seals with a silicone spray provides the necessary lubrication to avoid cracking. Spray the entirety of the door weatherproofing with silicone after giving the glue time to dry.
Wipe the silicone away with a microfiber cloth. You’ll ensure the rubber has the moisture it needs to maintain weatherproofing for you and your passengers. Repeat this as time passes to protect the rubber and prevent future repairs.
Signs of Faulty Door Weatherproofing
When you’re concerned your weather stripping is beginning to crack and fail, there are several signs to look and listen for. A noticeable increase in road noise is a typical sign you’ll notice when repairs are in order. Replacing the weatherstripping will ensure a quiet and comfortable ride for all.
Water leaks are another sign to watch for as your car ages. Wetness around your doors and windows after a rain shower indicates that the car door weather stripping is bad. The dampness will damage your car’s electrical systems and cause mold growth.
Temperature issues are common when weatherproofing becomes cracked. Check your door weatherproofing if you need to crank the AC higher for comfortable temperatures.
Apply Your Door Weatherproofing Skills Today
Knowing how to fix or replace your door weatherproofing is critical if you want to use your DIY skills to ensure comfort for passengers and save money at the gas pump. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the seals and analyze them for damage.
Sand metal surfaces and apply glue to improve the strength of your car door weather stripping. Use silicone spray to provide needed moisture to the seals to hold in temperatures and keep moisture out.
Car maintenance is vital to preserve your investment. Check out our Lifestyle content for more tips and lifehacks for an exciting life today!
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