Is it useful to install sealing strips on cars?
2 Answers
Adding sealing strips to a car can provide certain functions such as sound insulation, waterproofing, and vibration reduction. Here are the relevant details: 1. Whether it is necessary to install car sealing strips depends on the situation. Many people consider the need for sealing strips as an important indicator of a car's sealing performance. 2. If the car has good sealing performance: sealing strips may not be necessary, as their effect would be minimal in such cases. Improper installation could also block drainage holes. 3. If the sealing performance is poor: installation can be considered, as sealing strips can fill gaps in components like doors, windows, and the engine compartment, providing waterproofing, dustproofing, and vibration reduction. When choosing sealing strips, avoid low-quality products to prevent future issues.
I recently added some weatherstripping to my car, and while it does help, it's not as miraculous as the sellers claim. The most noticeable difference is the sound when closing the doors—it's much more solid now. Instead of the old 'clang,' it now makes a soft 'thud,' which feels more premium. At highway speeds of 120 km/h, wind noise is reduced by about 30%, especially the whistling sound near the A-pillar, which has improved significantly. The dust-proof effect was the most surprising—the door edges and gaps that used to accumulate dust in just a week now stay relatively clean for half a month. However, don't expect it to block out tire noise; for that, you'd need to change the tires. If your doors are drafty or the old rubber seals have hardened and cracked, spending around 100 yuan is totally worth it, but for a new car, it's completely unnecessary. A tip: buy strips with 3M adhesive backing—regular double-sided tape will fall off in the summer heat. Also, avoid washing the car for three days after installation to let the adhesive fully set.
