Replacing worn out or damaged weather stripping on car doors is an important maintenance task that can greatly improve your driving comfort and prevent water leaks into the vehicle interior. But how much does this repair typically cost? The price to replace weather stripping on car doors depends on a few key factors:
- Make and model of vehicle
- Amount and type of weather stripping needing replacement
- Cost of labor and materials
Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for a full weatherstripping replacement job on a standard sedan. Luxury, vintage or specialized vehicles will be more expensive. Replacing just a small section of damaged weather stripping will cost much less.
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Why Replace Weather Stripping?
Weather stripping forms a seal around car doors, windows and other openings to block out wind noise, moisture, dirt and air leaks. Over time, exposure to sun, weather and opening/closing of doors causes the rubber strips to dry out, crack, warp or pull away from the frame. When weather stripping loses its flexibility and sealing ability, it should be replaced to prevent the following issues:
- Water leaks into the car during rain or car washes
- Wind noise from air passing through gaps
- Dust, pollen and fumes entering the cabin
- AC/heat escaping through door gaps
- Rattles or vibrations from loose weatherstripping
Replacing damaged and ill-fitting weatherstripping can make driving much more pleasant by keeping wind noise and water out. Properly sealed doors also improve fuel economy. So it’s well worth investing in new weatherstripping when your existing seals have deteriorated.
Cost Factors
Several factors affect the total cost of replacing your vehicle’s weather stripping:
Vehicle Type
The make and model of your vehicle determines the amount of weatherstripping required and the complexity of accessing and removing the old strips. For example:
- Compact cars require less weatherstripping than large SUVs or trucks.
- On some luxury cars, the weatherstripping is integrated into the door structure, making replacement more labor-intensive.
- Older vehicles typically have simpler weatherstripping than newer models.
So you can expect to pay more for parts and labor when replacing weatherstripping on high-end or newer model vehicles.
Amount of Replacement
Are you just replacing a small section of visibly damaged weatherstripping? Or do you need a full weatherstripping replacement around the entire door perimeter and openings?
Replacing only a 10 inch damaged section will cost much less in materials than replacing weatherstripping around the entire door. But you’ll still have to pay the hourly shop labor rate.
Shop Labor Rates
Replacing weatherstripping requires prying off the old strips and carefully installing new ones. Most car owners don’t attempt this DIY. Expect to pay $100-$150 per hour for professional shop labor. Luxury or high-end shops charge $200 or more per hour.
Weatherstripping Materials
The factory weatherstripping designed specifically for your make and model will provide the best fit and seal. Aftermarket universal seals cost less but may not fit as precisely. Expect to pay:
- $1 – $3 per foot for aftermarket vinyl or rubber weatherstripping
- $5 – $15 per foot for OEM weatherstripping
Cost to Replace Weather Stripping – By Location
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to pay to replace weather stripping in common problem areas on a standard 4-door sedan:
Door Seals
The seal running around the entire door perimeter is the most important for keeping wind and water out. Replacing door weather stripping typically costs:
- $150 – $400 for parts and labor per door
So expect to pay $300 – $800 to do all 4 doors.
Door Edge Guards
The thin weatherstrip running along the doors’ leading edge helps seal the gap between doors. Replacing door edge guards costs:
- $50 – $150 per door
Door Glass Seals
The weatherstripping around the window frame prevents air and water getting in around the glass. Replacing glass weatherstripping costs:
- $50 – $200 per window
Windshield Seal
The seal surrounding the entire windshield prevents leaks. Windshield weatherstrip replacement costs:
- $100 – $300 for parts and professional installation
Trunk Seal
Keeping the seal around your trunk lid or hatch in good condition prevents leaks into the cargo area. Replacing trunk seals ranges from:
- $100 – $350 depending on car model
DIY vs Professional Replacement
Can you save money by replacing weatherstripping yourself? Maybe, but it’s a fairly complex job. Key things to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to carefully pry off the old weatherstripping without damaging the door frame
- Precisely trimming and fitting the new weatherstripping takes skill
- Watch tutorials to understand the intricate removal and installation process
- Buying a full weatherstripping kit for your car costs $100 – $350
- Take your time – rushing can lead to mistakes and leaks
- Pro shops have the right tools and experience for a tight seal
While DIY weatherstripping replacement is possible if you’re very handy, the materials still add up. Paying a professional often yields longer-lasting results and may not cost much more than a DIY job.
How Long Does it Take?
In a professional shop, expect weatherstripping replacement to take:
- 2 – 4 hours for door seals on a 2-door coupe
- 4 – 6 hours for a standard 4-door sedan
- 6+ hours for an SUV or truck with 4 doors
DIY replacement takes even longer – up to a full weekend for DIYers new to auto maintenance.
Pro shops have specialized tools to make the job faster, but this is still a time-consuming repair. Make sure to schedule a full day drop-off appointment for weatherstripping replacement.
Tips for Making Your Weatherstripping Last
Once you’ve invested in replacing your weatherstripping, follow these tips to maximize its lifespan:
- Park in the garage to protect from sun and extreme weather
- Roll down windows before opening doors to avoid tearing the seals
- Clean weatherstripping with mild soap and water only
- Apply a thin layer of rubber seal conditioner 2x per year
- Avoid slamming doors shut
Proper weatherstripping care helps retain flexibility and prevent premature cracking or shrinking. With cautious use, your new weather seals should last 5-10 years or more.
Weatherstripping Replacement Cost Summary
Here’s a quick recap on what to budget for replacing weather stripping on your car’s doors and openings:
- Door seals: $150 – $400 per door
- Door edge guards: $50 – $150 per door
- Door glass seals: $50 – $200 per window
- Windshield seal: $100 – $300
- Trunk seal: $100 – $350
At a minimum, expect to spend $100+ for a small weatherstripping patch job. For a full replacement on a 4-door sedan, budget $500 – $1,000 or more. Luxury and specialty vehicle weatherstripping costs even more.
Investing in new, factory-fit weatherstripping every 5-10 years helps maintain your car’s integrity, comfort and value. Keeping your seals in good shape prevents costly water damage and repairs down the road.
Conclusion
Replacing worn out weatherstripping is essential to keep wind and water out of your vehicle. For most 4-door sedans, plan on spending $500 – $1,000 to replace weather stripping around all doors and openings. Exact costs vary based on the make, model, and extent of replacement needed. While DIY replacement is possible, having a professional shop replace your weatherstripping using factory parts often provides the cleanest install and best results. With proper maintenance, new weatherstripping should last about a decade before needing replacement again. Keeping your seals in top shape improves comfort and protects your vehicle’s body from water damage.