Is It Necessary to Install Sealing Strips on a New Car?
4 Answers
It is necessary to install sealing strips on a new car. The door sealing strip is a product that seals the door, making it harder to open, and serves functions such as shock absorption, waterproofing, sound insulation, heat insulation, dust prevention, and fixation. Functions of Door Sealing Strips: Door sealing strips (auto-door-rubber-seal-strip) are mainly used for fixing, dust prevention, and sealing of car doors. They feature good elasticity, resistance to compression deformation, aging, ozone, and chemical effects. Equipped with unique metal clamps and tongue-shaped buckles, they are sturdy, durable, and easy to install. Primarily applied on door panels, door frames, side windows, front and rear windshields, engine hoods, and trunk lids, they serve functions such as waterproofing, dust prevention, sound insulation, temperature insulation, shock absorption, and decoration. Fuel-Saving Tips During the New Car Break-In Period: Avoid driving with excessive load during the break-in period of a new car; the lighter the body, the better, as heavy loads can cause damage to the car. Do not let the engine rev too high; generally, keep the RPM below 3,000, or below 3,500 for automatic transmissions. Avoid maintaining a single gear for too long or driving at low speeds for extended periods; gradually increase the speed instead.
As an experienced driver who has driven over a dozen cars, adding additional sealing strips to a new car depends on the actual situation. The factory-designed sealing is already quite comprehensive, and blind installation may disrupt the original drainage channels, leading to water accumulation and rust in the doors. I've seen cases where doors became hard to close after installation, and metal deformation is not uncommon. If you frequently drive on highways or live in the windy and sandy northwest, installing double-layer sealing strips can indeed reduce wind noise and block dust, but silicone material lasts three times longer than ordinary rubber. Remember, before making any modifications, check the width of the door gaps—only gaps of 0.5mm or more are worth installing, otherwise, it's just a waste of money and a hassle.
I've been into car modification for ten years, and adding sealing strips is something you should try with a playful mindset. Last week, I just installed full-body sealing strips on my Civic, and the door-closing sound immediately became deeper, like the muffled thud of a luxury car. On the highway, wind noise was reduced by about 30%, but don’t expect a dramatic change in sound insulation. Choosing the right material is crucial—TPE with adhesive backing is the most reliable. The set I bought for eighty bucks has stayed intact for two years without peeling. When installing, make sure not to pull it too tight; press it slowly along the door frame’s curve. I recommend testing it on the trunk first to see the effect—if it works, then expand to the whole car. Think of it as giving your car a stylish collar.
Ordinary car owners really don't need to spend extra money on installing sealing strips. The vehicle has already undergone waterproof testing before leaving the factory. My Corolla has gone five years without them and still doesn't leak. Those $30 sealing strips on the market tend to harden and fall off easily, and cleaning up the residual adhesive is more troublesome than repairing the car. It's more practical to save that money for better engine oil or invest in a tire pressure monitoring system for added safety. Of course, if you live near a construction site or frequently drive on dirt roads, the dust-blocking effect is indeed immediate. Just remember not to believe the noise reduction myths peddled by merchants—my tests showed only a 2-decibel difference in sound insulation, which is less noticeable than playing a song.
