Damaged weather stripping replacement is part of your prime mover’s routine maintenance. However, you should be self-sufficient enough to change it on the road when necessary. Faulty weather seals leak conditioned air and let in water when it rains. 

Learn how to address your vehicle’s weather stripping problem in the middle of your trip.

2 Ways to Fix Leaky Aging Weather Stripping Still in Good Condition
Replacing weather strips around a prime mover’s windows and doors can be time-consuming. If the material is still in great condition, do either of these quick fixes to avoid the tedious replacement process.

1.     Add Adhesive Under Loose Portions
Reseal the leaky areas with weather stripping adhesive. Less is more, so use the product sparingly. Applying more than necessary may cause the substance to ooze out when you stick the weather seal. It can create a mess and make it challenging to set the strip correctly.

Prepare the glue surfaces thoroughly. Press a tube of adhesive lightly until some substance comes out. Spread it on the surface like butter, and let it get tacky before adding the weather stripping to ensure a tight hold.

2.     Stick Self-Adhesive Weather Stripping to the Problem Areas
Cover the worn-out areas with a piece of black weather stripping with an adhesive back. Peel the backing as you stick it. Although the result may not look clean, this method can keep your vehicle’s interior dry and corrosion-free.

7 Steps to Replace Worn-Out Weather Stripping|
Follow these steps to completely change your vehicle’s weather strips properly.

1.     Buy a Product Designed for Your Prime Mover
Install a weather seal compatible with your prime mover’s make and model. Do your research beforehand. Check the owners manual or the manufacturer’s site for expert recommendations. Better yet, buy straight from an authorized dealer to source a product that fits your vehicle.

2.     Remove the Old Weather Stripping
Remove weather stripping based on the product’s design and location. If it has adhesive backing, pull the strip off the jamb, door or window. Start at one end, and do it carefully to avoid damaging the paintwork or the surrounding trim. 

Turn on a hairdryer or a heat gun on a low setting to soften the adhesive when dealing with tightly stuck strips. The heat should make them easier to remove. 

Use a screwdriver to pry old adhesive-less strips off the door jamb. Remove any screws, if necessary. Find the seams, and take them off gently.

3.     Compare the New With the Old
Ensure your replacement matches the old piece. Both pieces should have the same thickness, shape, rubber studs, holes and channels to be interchangeable.

Proceed if the pieces are identical. Otherwise, keep looking for a more suitable product. If you can’t find one, you may have to get your replacement fabricated from scratch based on the original.

4.     Clean the Surfaces
Wipe off the surface when installing weather stripping with adhesive. Grab a chisel to scrape off any stubborn residue.  

Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid or 5 grams of powdered soap per liter of water to make an effective cleaning solution for removing all surface impurities. Dry the washed areas with clean rags.

5.     Test the New Weather Stripping’s Fit
Insert the replacement into the frame without applying any adhesive to see its fit. Review the product’s instructions sheet to align the piece correctly. A compatible strip won’t fit the frame’s contours and holes when its orientation is wrong.

6.     Apply the Adhesive
Apply a small amount to the frame and spread it to cover more area. Follow the product’s instructions sheet to know how much is enough when using a liquid adhesive. 

Make sure the new weather stripping is clean. Insert the piece into the hole before the adhesive dries. If you’re installing a clip-on weather strip, putting some adhesive between the clips provides support to keep them in place. 

Remove the product’s backing carefully when installing a self-adhesive strip. Peel as you go to ensure it adheres only to the intended area.

7.     Secure the Newly Installed Weather Stripping
Read the adhesive’s product sheet to know its ideal curing time. Press the strip against the surface with your fingers. Use masking tape to keep the piece attached while the substance dries. 

Refrain from moving the door or window while the product is still wet. Shutting things prematurely applies a shear force to the adhesive, causing the strip to slide and dislodging it from its position.

Consider speeding up the curing speed with heat. Innovative adhesives are ultraviolet-curable, which means they can solidify within 60 seconds upon exposure to UV light. Aside from sunlight, blacklights and some lamps emit UV radiation.

Hit the Road With Intact Weather Stripping
Knowing how to fix damaged weather strips on the road can give you peace of mind. Follow these tips to get things done right the first time.

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is an auto writer with over five years of experience in the industry. He has bylines at Carwash, Global Trade Mag and InAutomotive. Follow him on X @TModded for frequent updates on his work.