{"id":188968,"date":"2026-06-10T07:00:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?p=188968"},"modified":"2026-09-08T23:14:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T06:14:37","slug":"are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Weatherstrip Kits Car Specific?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, most quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/weatherstrip-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"weatherstrip kits\">weatherstrip kits<\/a> are car specific. They&rsquo;re designed and shaped to match the exact contours, channels, and mounting points of a particular make, model, and year. A kit built for a 1963 to 1964 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/weatherstrip-seal\/chevrolet\/impala?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Impala\">Impala<\/a> 2-door hardtop won&rsquo;t fit a different body, because the seal profiles, lengths, and clip patterns are matched to the original factory design. You can buy universal, all-purpose weatherstripping by the roll. It can be useful for repairs or when a vehicle-specific seal is unavailable, but it usually takes more measuring, trimming, and fit checking to get a clean result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most kits are vehicle-specific. They match the shape, length, and attachment points for a particular year, make, model, and often body style or door configuration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Universal weather stripping exists but trades exact fit for flexibility. It can be useful for repairs or applications where a vehicle-specific seal isn&rsquo;t available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kit contents vary. Some basic kits focus on door and trunk seals, while more complete kits may add window felts, vent seals, and quarter window pieces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/when-should-you-replace-your-vehicles-weatherstripping\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Seals wear out\">Seals wear out<\/a>. Heat, UV, and time harden rubber and break down adhesive, so older seals eventually need replacing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installation is straightforward, but it takes patience to seat the rubber evenly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Weatherstrip Kits Are Built for Specific Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weather stripping seals the gaps around your vehicle&rsquo;s doors, windows, and trunk so that water, air, dust, and road noise stay out. To do this well, each seal has to match the geometry of the opening it fills. The profile of the rubber, the length of each run, and the way it clips or glues into a channel are all engineered around a single body design.That&rsquo;s why a weatherstrip kit assembled for one car won&rsquo;t reliably transfer to another. Even within the same brand, the seal that fits one model often sits in a completely different location or channel on the next. A kit replicates the original factory shape, so it follows the contours of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/door-weatherstrip-seal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"door frame\">door frame<\/a> and presses firmly into place for a tight seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vehicle-Specific vs. Universal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"push on door weatherstrip seal\" class=\"wp-image-208761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/push-on-door-weatherstrip-seal.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/door-weatherstrip-seal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"door weatherstripping\">door weatherstripping<\/a> comes in rolls and can be purchased at the parts store. This type is designed to slide over the door opening lip and is fairly easy to install. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vehicle-specific kits come pre-cut and pre-formed to your application. You match the kit to your vehicle&rsquo;s year, make, and model, and the parts line up where they should. This is the route worth taking if you care about a clean result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Universal weatherstripping is sold by the roll and bent to fit a range of openings. It can work for a quick patch or when exact-fit parts are unavailable, but it may require more trimming and fitting to follow the original contour. If a vehicle-specific kit exists for your car, that&rsquo;s usually the better choice for a factory-style result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&rsquo;s Inside a Weatherstrip Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kit contents depend on the brand and package. Some restoration suppliers group their kits into basic and deluxe tiers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basic Kits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A basic weatherstrip kit may include the door seals and trunk seal. Some packages include adhesive, while others require it separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deluxe Kits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A deluxe or more complete kit may add extras such as quarter window vertical seals, vent window seals, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/door-window-belt-weatherstrip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"window felt kit\">window felt kit<\/a>. If you want to refresh more than just the doors and trunk in one purchase, a more complete kit can cover additional openings in a single box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Different Types of Weather Stripping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seals come in several forms, each suited for a different job. Common types include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gasket: fills the space between two surfaces, like the channel around<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/door-glass-weatherstrip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"glass\">glass<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Edge trim: covers a rough edge where a seal also needs to grip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insert trim: slides into a track for a clean, factory-style replacement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Push-on seal: clips over a flange or lip and holds without adhesive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peel-and-stick seal: backed with adhesive for a fast, permanent bond.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sponge and dense rubber: sponge compresses for soft-close seals, while dense rubber resists impacts and wear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Weather Seal Your Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So how do you weather seal your car? It comes down to removing the worn rubber and seating fresh seals cleanly. Note that steps can vary slightly between kits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-Step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remove the old weatherstrip, including any pieces seated in a track or channel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean the mounting surface thoroughly. If old adhesive remains, take it off with an adhesive remover so that the new seal bonds to bare metal or trim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry-fit the new seal and confirm it follows the opening before committing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply adhesive where the kit calls for it, or peel the backing on stick-on pieces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press the seal firmly and evenly along the edge so that it seats fully and bonds in line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work slowly and let the adhesive grab before moving to the next run. A rushed installation leaves gaps that defeat the seal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-search-widget\">\n\t<div class=\"cp-search\">\n\t\t<div class=\"cp-logo-search\" align=\"center\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n\t\t<\/form>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Note on Fit and Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weather stripping isn&rsquo;t a brake or steering component, but a poor seal still causes problems. Water that gets past a bad door seal can pool in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/floor-pan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"floor pans\">floor pans<\/a>, feed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-protection-how-to-prevent-rust-on-your-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"rust\">rust<\/a>, and reach electrical connectors. If you notice moisture, fogging, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wind-buffeting-and-wind-noise-causes-and-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"wind noise\">wind noise<\/a> after a wet drive, inspect the seals and reseat or replace any that have hardened, cracked, or pulled loose. Catching a failing seal early keeps small leaks from turning into bigger repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Tell When Seals Need Replacing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few signs point to worn weatherstripping. Water creeping in when it rains is the clearest one, often starting as light dampness near the door before it worsens. Increased wind and road noise is another, since a failing seal no longer blocks outside air. You can also press a finger into the rubber: if it feels hard and doesn&rsquo;t spring back, it&rsquo;s lost its sealing ability and should be replaced. Visible cracks, gaps, or holes confirm it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Classic cars used weatherstripping around doors, glass, trunks, and other openings long before the 1970s. The bigger concern today is that surviving original seals may be decades old. Heat, UV exposure, ozone, repeated compression, and age can harden or crack rubber and weaken adhesive over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788934227257\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do weatherstrip kits vary by make, model, and year?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Factory-style kits are shaped to match the bends, seal profiles, channels, and contours of a specific vehicle and, in many cases, a specific body style, which is why they fit more cleanly than a generic roll.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788934260610\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use universal weather stripping instead of a kit?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Universal weather stripping can be a practical option for repairs or when a vehicle-specific replacement isn&rsquo;t available. It usually requires more measuring, cutting, and fitting, while a vehicle-specific kit generally provides the more predictable factory-style fit.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788934279767\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long should weatherstripping last?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on the material quality, installation, climate, UV exposure, use, and maintenance. Vehicle-specific fitment does not by itself guarantee a longer service life than universal weatherstripping.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788934311330\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does weatherstripping need maintenance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Very little. Cleaning the seals and periodically applying a rubber conditioner or protectant specifically labeled safe for automotive weatherstripping can help keep the rubber flexible. Follow the product manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions and avoid treatments that leave an incompatible greasy residue.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788934336455\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&rsquo;s a molded weather seal?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It&rsquo;s a seal formed to follow the contours and curves of a specific door, opening, or body area so it maintains consistent contact along the sealing surface. Molded seals are especially useful where the weatherstrip must follow corners or compound curves that a straight universal extrusion cannot duplicate as precisely.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weatherstrip kits are car specific because a clean seal depends on matching the exact shape of your vehicle&rsquo;s openings. Pick a kit made for your vehicle&rsquo;s year, make, model, and body style when applicable, and take your time seating the rubber. Your ride&rsquo;s interior stays dry, quiet, and protected. When you&rsquo;re ready to reseal your car, CarParts.com carries model-specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/weatherstrip-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"weatherstripping\">weatherstripping<\/a> to get the job done right.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Yes, most quality weatherstrip kits are car specific. They&rsquo;re designed and shaped to match the exact contours, channels, and mounting&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":189115,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[1034,3746,52],"tags":[3833],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-188968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-auto-repair","category-car-body","category-diy","tag-weatherstrip-kit","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Are Weatherstrip Kits Car Specific? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are weatherstrip kits car specific? Yes. Learn about types of weather stripping, installation steps, and how to weather seal your car right.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Are Weatherstrip Kits Car Specific? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are weatherstrip kits car specific? Yes. Learn about types of weather stripping, installation steps, and how to weather seal your car right.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-10T14:00:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-09T06:14:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Are_Weatherstrip_-Kits_Car_Specific.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"599\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom, https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/CarPartscom, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"Richard McCuistian\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. 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Vehicle-specific fitment does not by itself guarantee a longer service life than universal weatherstripping.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/#faq-question-1788934311330","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-weatherstrip-kits-car-specific-quickref\/#faq-question-1788934311330","name":"Does weatherstripping need maintenance?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Very little. Cleaning the seals and periodically applying a rubber conditioner or protectant specifically labeled safe for automotive weatherstripping can help keep the rubber flexible. 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Molded seals are especially useful where the weatherstrip must follow corners or compound curves that a straight universal extrusion cannot duplicate as precisely.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Are_Weatherstrip_-Kits_Car_Specific-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Are_Weatherstrip_-Kits_Car_Specific-600x599.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","last_name":"","first_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","job_title":"","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=188968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=188968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=188968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=188968"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=188968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}