Maintain the seals' flexibility
Maintaining your car's rubber seals is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of car maintenance. These seals, which include those around windows, panels, and the folding roof segments (if accessible), play a crucial role in keeping your car's interior dry and draft-free. Here's a guide to keeping your car's rubber seals in top condition.
There are various rubber care products available on the market, each with its unique ingredients and application methods. For instance, the Sonax Tire Care Stick with Deer Tallow is applied with the stick in circular movements to the seal. Silicone, a common ingredient in rubber care products, forms a thin, water-repellent film on the car's seals, protecting and keeping them looking new for longer.
Some universal car cleaners may contain ingredients that care for rubber seals, but it's important to ensure material compatibility or care properties before purchase. Liqui Moly's tire care is applied to seals freed from coarse dirt, while the Sonax Tire Care with Sponge Applicator is applied to a clean seal.
The Sesam Glycerin Silicone Stick for Rubber Care, equipped with a sponge applicator for easier handling, is another option. Glycerin, a synthetic substance used in rubber care products, provides moisture for elasticity and protects the middle of the rubber from drying out. Hirschtalg, a natural fat, is another ingredient used in care sticks, but it should be wiped off after application and should not be applied at low temperatures.
Natural alternatives to car rubber care products include beeswax and coconut oil, but it's recommended to test these products on a small area first to ensure they don't damage the rubber. Before applying any rubber care product, the seals should be as dust-, water-, and grease-free as possible.
It's crucial to apply rubber care products regularly, at least once or twice a year, with late fall being an ideal time, and before the first frost to prevent doors or the trunk from freezing shut. Some products may require reapplication after each thorough car wash, as cleaning agents and water gradually remove the protective layer.
Rubber care should be applied to various parts of the car, including the front and rear door seals, trunk seals (tailgate or trunk lid), separately opening rear window seals (if present), window seals, sunroof seals, and hood seal. Remember, the door seals of a car should be given particular attention to keep the rubber supple and prevent freezing, especially before winter. Glycerin or baby powder can be used for this purpose.
Lastly, always follow the application instructions on the packaging when applying rubber care products, and it may be advisable to use a microfiber cloth for sprays. The WD-40 Specialist Silicone Spray can be used on rubber, metal, plastic, and wood in various settings, including cars, households, gardens, and hobbies, making it a versatile choice for maintaining various parts of your vehicle.
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