What are the disadvantages of adding sealing strips to a new car?

[DiGabriel]

Disadvantages of adding sealing strips to a new car: 1. It may cause doors, trunks, and other components to fail to close properly, and there might even be instances where the sealing strips are exposed after closing, which is very unsightly; 2. Adding sealing strips does not significantly improve noise reduction, as the vehicle's sound insulation performance depends on many factors, and relying solely on sealing strips is unrealistic; 3. Sealing strips are rubber products that require regular inspection and maintenance. If the sealing strips age, they may fall off, affecting the appearance. Maintenance of car sealing strips: 1. After cleaning, apply a layer of highly permeable protective agent to prevent the rubber sealing strips from aging; 2. Regularly use a brush to remove dust and other debris; 3. Check the door sealing strips for cracks, and if any are found, they can be repaired with adhesive.

[Mabel]

I just bought a new car and wanted to add sealing strips to improve sound insulation and dust prevention, but after using them for a while, I encountered quite a few issues. First, the doors became harder to close—I always had to push hard to get them to seal properly, otherwise the wind noise would actually increase. Secondly, the areas where the strips were applied tended to accumulate dust and water stains, especially after rain, making the gaps dirty and difficult to clean. If the sealing strip material is cheap and unreliable, it can deform, become sticky, or lose adhesion under high temperatures, or freeze and break off in winter. The most annoying part is that it might interfere with the original factory sealing design, causing misalignment of the door gaps and increasing the risk of water leakage or drafts. It’s recommended to choose high-quality products and install them precisely to avoid these problems, but honestly, it’s better to leave the car as it is for peace of mind.

[StMolly]

I've seen many car owners encounter issues after adding sealing strips, and the drawbacks are quite significant. Improper installation can crush the original factory seals, causing door deformation and affecting opening/closing and safety locks. Poor-quality materials age quickly, bubbling and peeling off, creating new noises. Misaligned placement can obstruct airflow, increasing fuel consumption and wind noise. Gaps accumulating moisture can lead to rust on the body panels or mold growth, affecting health. If you insist on installing them, I recommend choosing specialized strips that match your car model and having them installed by professionals—don't attempt DIY application. Actually, the original factory seals on new cars are sufficient, and modifications carry risks—it's unnecessary to go through the hassle.

[MaddoxLynn]

Adding sealing strips sounds good, but you'll regret it in practice. From my experience, doors won't close tightly, and instead of reducing noise, it actually increases annoyance. While it does block some dust, the edges where the strips are attached get dirty and are hard to clean, wasting time and effort. The materials are cheap, soften when heated, and the adhesive fails, causing the strips to fall off. I've also heard that adding them might alter the car's aerodynamics, making doors harder to open and close smoothly, with a slight increase in fuel consumption. Overall, I suggest not tampering with it yourself. Only consider it if you choose high-quality materials, but it's best to give up on the idea—the factory setup is already sufficient.