Ensuring your vehicle stays comfortable and free from leaks and drafts is crucial for an enjoyable driving experience. Something that may need replacing over time is the weather strip. This flexible, rubber seal that lines the edges of your car doors, trunk, and sunroof plays a vital role in maintaining the internal climate, keeping out noises, and sealing against leaks.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a new car owner who wants to learn, this guide will walk you through the process of replacing your car’s weather strip.

Understanding Car Weather Strip

Car weather strip, also known as ‘weather seals,’ is a strip of rubber or synthetic material attached to the vehicle body or door parts. It seals the seams around the doors, windows, and trunks to prevent water, air, and noise from entering the vehicle.

There are several types of weather strip designed for specific areas of the car, including:

• Tubular rubber – typically used as door seals
• Bulb and v-seal – often used around permanently-fixed glass
• Sponge and solid – used in areas with infrequent movement
• Beltline moldings – employed to seal movable glass to the door panel

No matter what type or location, you need to look out for the following signs that may indicate your weather strip is starting to fail:

• Cracks, tears, or breaks in the material
• Loose, frayed, or detached stripping
• Noticeable leaks or drafts
• Increased road noise within the cabin

If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to consider replacing the weather strip.

Tools and Materials Needed

You will need a few essential tools and materials to get started:

• New weather strip (make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle make and model)
• Utility knife or shears
• Flathead screwdriver
• Cleaning solution (rubbing alcohol or mild detergent)
• Clean rags

While not mandatory, having weather strip adhesive, trim removal tools, and a lubricant safe for the material you’re working on can make the job easier.

Preparing Your Vehicle for New Weather Strip

Generally, replacing a weatherstrip isn’t an overly complicated process, but there are parts of it that can go sideways if done incorrectly. Follow this typical process to ge the job completed successfully.

Perform a Pre-Replacement Inspection

Examine the condition of your current weather strip thoroughly. Be sure to look for the signs of wear mentioned earlier. Inspect each strip and note their condition to assess if they need replacement. As well, make note of where any clips or fasteners are and prepare to remove them by gathering the right tools.

Remove the Old Weather Strip

To remove the old weather strip:

• For the door jamb strips, find the seams and gently pry off the old strip with a screwdriver.
• For weather strip with adhesive backing, start at one end and carefully pull the strip off the door or frame.
• For larger or more difficult-to-remove strips, applying a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the adhesive beforehand can make removal easier.

Be cautious not to damage the vehicle’s paint or the area surrounding the stripping.

Cleaning the Frame

The surfaces where the new weather strip will adhere must be clean and free from debris. Use a degreaser or diluted soap to thoroughly clean the frames, then wipe them dry using clean rags.

Installing the New Weather Strip

Cut and Fit the New Weather Strip

Most replacement seals are manufactured to be an exact fit if purchased for your make and model. However. A generic or universal weather strip may come in a length that is too long. Use the old strips as a guide to cut the new ones to the correct length. Ensure a snug fit but do not stretch the material as it may cause it to warp or lose shape over time.

Align and Place the New Parts

For each door or window segment:

• Align the top of the weather strip with the top of the door frame.
• Make sure the ends of the weather strip fit together tightly to create a complete seal when the door is closed.
• When placing the new stripping with an adhesive, only remove the backing as you go to avoid sticking it down incorrectly.

Secure the Weather Strip

Once the new weather strip is aligned, press it firmly against the adhesive surfaces (if applicable) using your hands. Attach fasteners if there are any. If adhesive is not present or additional adhesion is required, consider using weather strip adhesive for added security. Wait for any adhesive to cure before closing the door or window to prevent improper sealing.