can vaseline be used on car weather stripping

[StJaxson]

No, you should not use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on your car's weather stripping. While it might seem like a good lubricant, petroleum-based products can cause the rubber to swell, become soft, and degrade over time. This damage leads to cracking, loss of sealing ability, and eventually, costly replacements. For proper care, you should use a product specifically designed for automotive rubber, like a silicone-based lubricant or protectant.

Automotive weather stripping is primarily made from EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), a material chosen for its excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and temperature extremes. The problem with Vaseline is its petroleum distillate base. These distillates can break down the chemical structure of the rubber. Initially, you might see the rubber absorb the jelly and appear more pliable, but this is actually the beginning of a degradation process. The rubber compounds swell and soften, losing their elasticity and tensile strength. This makes the seals more susceptible to cracking, especially in cold weather, and tearing when you open and close doors.

A silicone-based protectant, on the other hand, conditions the rubber without causing it to break down. It creates a protective, water-repellent barrier that helps prevent the rubber from drying out and cracking due to UV exposure from the sun. Applying a silicone protectant once or twice a year, after a thorough cleaning, is the best practice for maintaining seal integrity, reducing wind noise, and preventing water leaks into your vehicle's cabin.

Here is a comparison of using Vaseline versus a proper silicone protectant:

Characteristic	Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)	Silicone-Based Protectant
Effect on Rubber	Causes swelling & long-term degradation	Conditions without breaking down
Weather Resistance	Washes away easily, offers little protection	Creates a durable, UV-resistant barrier
Dust/Debris Attraction	High (sticky surface)	Low (non-greasy finish)
Primary Function	Moisture barrier for skin	Automotive rubber & plastic protectant
Application Frequency	N/A (not recommended)	Every 6-12 months
Risk of Staining	High (can stain paint and clothing)	Low
Cost Effectiveness	Seems low-cost, but risks expensive seal damage	High, prevents future repair costs

[VanAlivia]

I learned this the hard way. I used Vaseline on my old truck's door seals one winter to stop them from freezing shut. It worked for a week, but by spring, the rubber looked puffy and started cracking. It completely lost its shape. A mechanic friend told me I essentially cooked the rubber from the inside out with the petroleum. Now I only use a spray silicone from the auto parts store. It's cheaper than replacing the whole seal.

[McMason]

From a chemical perspective, it's a compatibility issue. EPDM rubber is hydrocarbon-based, and so is Vaseline. Applying it is like introducing a solvent that the rubber absorbs, disrupting its polymer chains. This leads to plasticizer loss and a reduction in the rubber's resilience. A silicone-based product is inert and doesn't interact with the rubber's chemistry, instead forming a protective layer on the surface to shield against ozone and UV radiation.

[DeBrody]

Think of it like using the right tool for the job. You wouldn't use cooking oil to lubricate a bike chain for the long term. Vaseline is for skin, not high-performance automotive materials. For a few bucks, you can get a bottle of protectant that will keep seals soft, prevent annoying squeaks and whistles at highway speeds, and protect your car's interior from water damage. It's a simple, preventative maintenance step.