Weather stripping is an important component on vehicles that helps seal gaps and prevent water, air, dust, and noise from entering the cabin. It is typically made of rubber, vinyl, or foam and lines door, window, trunk, and hood openings. While some weather stripping is custom designed for specific vehicle makes and models, much of it uses universal shapes and sizes that allow it to be installed on a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at universal weather stripping to understand where on a vehicle it can be used, the differences between custom and universal parts, and how to determine if a universal weather stripping product can work for your specific car.
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What is weather stripping?
Weather stripping, also known as weatherstrip, is a thin strip of material that seals the gaps between stationary parts of a vehicle’s body like doors, windows, the hood, and trunk. It helps prevent rain, wind, exterior noise, and dust/debris from entering the passenger compartment. The seals compress when doors and windows are closed to fill these gaps.
Weather stripping is commonly made of materials like:
– Rubber – flexible and durable synthetic rubber is a common weather stripping material. Types like EPDM or neoprene rubber offer good compression and resistance to the elements.
– Vinyl – PVC vinyl is an affordable and flexible option for weather stripping. It stands up well over time.
– Foam – Closed-cell foam is lightweight, easy to compress, and conforms well to seal irregular gaps.
– Felt – Felt weather stripping helps absorb sound and prevents rattling. It is sometimes combined with a rubber coating.
– Flock – Flock weatherstripping has a soft felt or cloth backing with an adhesive rubber coating. The fuzzy flock fibers help with compression.
No matter the material, the weather stripping needs to be flexible enough to compress when doors are closed and then spring back to completely fill the gap. Quality weatherstripping will retain these sealing properties over years of opening and closing doors.
Where is weather stripping used on vehicles?
Weather stripping can be found in the following common locations on most vehicles:
– Door seals – There are typically two door seals on each door designed to seal the gaps along the sides, top and bottom.
– Door opening seals – Separate seals run along the door opening on the body of the car to seal this gap when doors are closed.
– Trunk seals – The rear trunk lid or hatch will be lined with weather stripping to seal it to the body.
– Hood seals – Weatherstripping along the front edge of the hood helps seal it to the body when closed.
– Roof rail seals – For vehicles with roof racks, seals run along the roof rails.
– Window seals – All door and body window openings contain weather stripping to seal the window when rolled up.
– Sunroof seals – An additional weatherstrip seals the movable sunroof to the roof opening.
– Windshield and rear window seals – Spongy seals adhere where the windshield and back window meet the vehicle body.
– Pillar seals – Small strips seal irregular gaps around the A, B, and C pillars of the car body.
Proper weather stripping in all these locations is essential for keeping wind and water out of the vehicle interior. When weather stripping becomes damaged or degraded over time, it can lead to wind noise, water leaks, and other issues.
Custom vs. universal weather stripping
Weather stripping can be broadly divided into two categories:
Custom weather stripping is designed specifically for a single vehicle make and model. It is molded and shaped precisely to fit the unique contours and openings of an individual car or truck. Custom weatherstripping provides an exact, factory-quality fit:
– Original equipment (OE) weatherstripping from the vehicle manufacturer
– Aftermarket brands replicating factory weatherstripping
In contrast, universal weather stripping has a more generalized shape made to fit a range of different makes and models. It uses flexible sealing materials and simple shapes to adapt to different openings:
– Straight tubing seals for doors and windows
– Universal-fit door opening seals
– Adjustable trunk and hood seals
Custom weatherstripping will always provide the best, most contoured fit. However, universal weatherstripping offers a more affordable, one-size-fits-many solution. It can be a good option for older vehicles where custom parts are no longer available or for simple seals on common openings like windows.
The downside is that universal weatherstripping will likely not seal as tightly or effectively as the factory original parts. Installing it can also take more adjustment and modification to fit each unique vehicle opening. Overall, a combination of custom and universal weatherstripping can provide a complete seal replacement on most vehicles.
Factors when choosing universal weather stripping
If you need to replace damaged or leaking weatherstrips and are considering universal parts, here are some tips for choosing products that can work across multiple vehicles:
– Material – Look for durable, flexible sealing materials like EPDM rubber that resist the elements and provide good compression. Avoid cheap foam seals that deteriorate quickly.
– Thickness – Thicker tubing and seals typically offer better compression and conformity to uneven gaps. Measure existing weather stripping thickness and match this.
– Adjustability – Look for universal seals with corner molding pieces, splice joints or other ways to conform the stripping to different lengths and openings.
– Shape – For door and window seals, stick with straight tubing shapes that can be cut to length. For door openings, choose wide, flat universal seals that can compress to fit.
– Fastening – Universal weatherstripping should have adhesive backing or come with mechanical fasteners for easy DIY installation.
– Manufacturer reputation – Opt for weatherstripping from reputable brands known for quality materials that endure extreme conditions.
Carefully measuring the areas where you need new weatherstripping and selecting universal products designed for flexibility and adaptability can result in an effective seal replacement on most vehicles.
Installing universal weather stripping
Once you purchase compatible universal weatherstripping for your vehicle, carefully follow these steps for installation:
1. Clean sealing surfaces – Use a degreaser to remove any dirt, grease and old adhesive from the mounting surfaces where the new weatherstripping will install.
2. Test fit – Dry fit the universal weatherstripping by temporarily placing it in position on each opening. Make any necessary adjustments to the length or shape.
3. Cut to length – For tubular seals, cut the weatherstripping slightly longer than the opening. Door and window seals typically need 1-2 inches of extra length to remain under tension.
4. Apply adhesive promoter – Use adhesive promoter/activator on the bonding surfaces to help the adhesive stick and cure properly.
5. Peel backing – Remove any adhesive backing paper from the weatherstripping to expose the adhesive.
6. Press into place – Starting at one end, press the weatherstripping firmly into place along its mounting surface.
7. Work around corners – For door seals, carefully work the weatherstripping around corners using relief cuts and the molding pieces.
8. Roll with pressure – Use a roller tool to apply even pressure as you roll the stripping to promote full adhesion.
9. Allow curing time – Let the adhesive cure fully for at least 24 hours before assessing the fit and seal.
With care taken during installation, universal automotive weatherstripping can provide a cost-effective way to seal out the elements on your vehicle for years to come.
Conclusion
Universal weather stripping offers a flexible and affordable sealing solution for the doors, windows, hoods and trunks of many different makes and model of vehicles. Carefully choosing quality materials and shapes provides weatherstripping that can conform to the openings on a range of cars and trucks, even if it won’t mold perfectly like factory custom strips. With some adjustments and proper installation, universal weatherstripping can restore deteriorated seals and prevent further water and air intrusion. Just be sure to assess the specific needs of your vehicle and purchase compatible universal products from reputable brands. With a combination of custom and universal weatherstripping, you can keep the interior of your vehicle sealed up tight.
| Weather Stripping Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Custom | Precise factory fit | More expensive |
| Universal | Affordable, fits many vehicles | May not seal as tightly |
Related Questions
Should I replace all the weather stripping at once?
It’s generally best to replace all of your vehicle’s weather stripping at once rather than just one or two pieces. The rubber and seals dry out and wear at similar rates. Replacing just a portion can lead to leaks and wind noise as older seals continue to degrade. A full weatherstripping replacement ensures everything seals tightly.
How long does weather stripping last?
With exposure to sun, moisture, and opening/closing, most weather stripping will degrade and need replacement every 8-10 years. Keep an eye out for leaks, rattling or wind noise as signs your weatherstripping needs to be replaced. Use protectants to extend the life of your weather seals.
Can I install weather stripping myself?
Replacing weather stripping is a relatively easy DIY project for most vehicle owners. You don’t need special tools – just a utility knife, adhesive promoter, roller, and patience to install it properly. Ensure you select high-quality materials for a long-lasting seal.
Should I lubricate the weather stripping?
Use a silicone-based lubricant spray made specifically for rubber weatherstripping to keep it conditioned and prevent cracking. Avoid petroleum greases that can degrade the rubber over time. Reapply the lubricant 2-3 times per year.