Are Car Sealing Strips Useful?
3 Answers
Car sealing strips are useful. The characteristics of car sealing strips include the following 2 points: 1. They serve to fill various gaps between body components: providing functions such as shock absorption, waterproofing, dustproofing, sound insulation, and decoration; 2. They enhance driving comfort and protect the car body: mainly applied to door panels, door frames, front and rear windshields, engine hoods, and trunk lids. There are 3 points to note when replacing sealing strips: 1. Before replacing the sealing strip, carefully observe: compare with the sealing strip used on your car to select the correct model; 2. After selecting the sealing strip, remove the original one before installation: clean the area where the sealing strip will cover, especially residual glue and dust; 3. There are usually one or two drainage outlets on the door: when attaching the sealing strip, be careful not to block these outlets, as it could cause water to enter the car.
Having driven for over a decade, I find sealing strips particularly crucial. Last summer during a typhoon, my aged sealing strip cracked, allowing rainwater to pour directly into the door panel, leaving the car's carpet soaked for a full week before it dried. After replacing it, the door closing sound became noticeably thicker, and highway wind noise was cut in half—no more cranking up the volume just to hear navigation. The dust-blocking effect improved too; no more black grime accumulating in door gaps—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth during car washes keeps it clean. I recommend checking the sealing strip's condition before each rainy season and replacing it promptly if cracks appear. Regular cleaning with rubber protectant can also extend its lifespan, saving a lot of hassle.
As a car enthusiast, I pay special attention to the design of sealing strips. They are typically installed along the edges of car doors, windows, and trunks, with the core function of providing sealing effects. Specifically, they prevent rainwater from entering the door panels, avoiding rust in the window regulator mechanisms; block road and wind noise to enhance audio experience; cushion the impact of door closing to prevent lock damage; and also keep dust and sand from entering body gaps. When selecting, it's crucial to check if the rubber material is wear-resistant—I've found that silicone material lasts two years longer than regular rubber. During installation, cleaning the contact surface is most important, otherwise, it may peel off in just three days. From personal experience, replacing the sealing strips immediately made the car interior much quieter.