Two established weatherstrip seal brands, Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded, both claim to provide maximum sealing capabilities with their weatherstripping products. To see which brand deserves the top spot, we’ve tested their weatherstrip seals on our Ford F-150. Here’s what we have to say:
Upon closer inspection, both Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded provided seals that are sturdily constructed using high-grade rubber. We noticed that Metro Moulded’s product is softer yet highly durable, but when we attached both stripping seals, both products provided an airtight seal.
WINNER: Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded
Installing the product from Fairchild Industries was a breeze. Because it was constructed to match OE specs, it fit perfectly and didn’t require any special tools to install. Same goes for the Metro Moulded seal. This product was also made to match our F-150’s specs to a T, making installation an easy task.
WINNER: Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded
Both brands offer products that are sunlight-, ozone-, and water-resistant, making Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded ideal options when looking for a highly resilient replacement for a worn-out seal.
WINNER: Fairchild Industries and Metro Moulded
The price range for Fairchild Industries weatherstripping products is from $15 to $97, while the range for Metro Moulded items is $8 to $37. Because Metro Moulded offers a lower price range, this brand is a good bet for consumers looking for more budget-friendly options.
WINNER: Metro Moulded
Fairchild Industries backs it weatherstripping seal with a limited warranty, while Metro Moulded offers a 15-year limited warranty. In this round, the winner is the brand with the longest and clearly detailed warranty plan.
WINNER: Metro Moulded
In this battle of the weatherstrip seals, the clear victor is Metro Moulded. Both brands are highly durable, easy to install, and provide nifty extra features, but Metro Moulded snagged the top spot because it provides a lower price range and a longer and clearly detailed warranty package. So if you’re looking for a replacement weatherstripping seal for your ride, you’re sure to get the most out of your budget with a Metro Moulded product.
Your car survives rain and other weather conditions because of a part called the weatherstrip seal. From the name itself, it prevents weather elements from entering your vehicle. Over time, your car's weatherstrip seal will eventually crack or get damaged. Replacing weatherstrip seals is an easy task for beginners and experts alike. With a few simple tools and a bit of patience, you can finish the repair in no time.
Get started with these simple yet concise instructions:
Step 1: Start with removing your windshield's old weatherstrip seal. Clean the windshield with a glass cleaner. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off dirt and debris.
Step 2: Raise each wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in a vertical position. Use a wrench to remove the wiper blade nuts and washers. Set the wiper arms side.
Step 3: Wedge the tip of the weatherstripping removal tool between the windshield and the trim. Work the tool around the entire perimeter of the windshield.
Step 4: Put the new weatherstrip seal by pressing it over the edge of the windshield. Use your thumb to push it down and secure it into place. Align or realign the new weatherstrip seal using the weatherstripping removal tool.
Step 5: Next, proceed to your car doors and windows. Open the doors and roll down the windows. Remove the old weatherstrip seals with a weatherstripping removal tool. Begin with one corner and work around the perimeter of the door.
Step 6: Do the same with the other doors and windows. Get rid of the remaining weatherstrip seal with a plastic putty knife. Clean the bare door and window edges with soap and cloth. Scrub the edges if there's old adhesive left.
Step 7: Take a measuring tape and determine your door and window sizes. Use a utility knife and cut the weatherstrip seal to fit around your doors and windows.
Step 8: Put beads of weatherstrip adhesive around the entire perimeter of the first window you decide to work on. Again, use your thumb to press the weatherstrip seal firmly on the adhesive. Repeat the same procedure to the remaining doors and windows.
What happens inside the vehicle cabin is as important as what happens under the hood. Auto manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into designing interiors that will help you and your passengers enjoy your time on the road. Part of this process involves making sure that the cabin is a sealed and controlled environment. This is possible thanks to weatherstrip seals.
Weatherstrip seals fill in the gaps and edges around static and moving parts of your vehicle. They keep water and debris from entering your vehicle, as well as prevent hard metal surfaces from scratching against each other.
Weatherstripping is installed around the car doors, windows, beltline, cowl, vent post, truck bedside, division post glass, pillar post, inner & outer header, roof rail, sunroof, and rear compartment. These strips are typically made of rubber or silicone.
Similar to how weatherstripping is used in homes, these create a tight seal around the gaps in your car. Some seals are installed using clips that let you snap them onto your vehicle. Others require the use of automotive weatherstripping adhesive to glue it in place. There are also press-on strips that are made of a stiff material that allows them to fit over the flange on their own.
Weatherstrip seals do more than just prevent water, wind, insects, and debris from entering your vehicle. Weatherstripping a car door also keeps air from inside your vehicle from leaking out. This makes it easy for your heating and air conditioning system to maintain the temperature inside the cabin. At the same time, they provide sound insulation inside the cabin so you don’t hear any unwanted noises from outside, especially during acceleration.
There are two types of weatherstripping used in automotive applications: static and dynamic seals.
This type of weatherstripping is used on gaps and surfaces which remain static such as your windshield, rear window, and roof rail seals.
These seals are used on one or more surfaces where movement is expected. These include weatherstrip seals used on your vehicle doors, car door windows, and trunk lid.
Problems caused by worn out and damaged weatherstrip seals are easy to catch because they come with easily observable symptoms. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Weatherstrip seals are mostly located around parts of your vehicle that are easy to inspect on your own. Rubber seals may become brittle, develop cracks, and fall apart due to changes in temperature.
Inspect any gaps where both light rays and air are streaming in. Weatherstripping around moving parts like your car doors, windows, and trunk can wear out or fall apart over time. If light, wind, or smoke can enter even if your doors and windows are shut, it may be time to get your seals replaced.
Weatherstrip seals provide sound insulation that muffles any loud sounds on the road. Listen for any hissing noises during high acceleration which can be caused by air pushing through the gaps caused by damaged weatherstripping.
If rain still gets inside your car even if all doors and windows are closed, then it’s time to consider getting new weatherstrip seals. You should do this no matter how tiny the leak is to prevent mold from growing on your carpet and other parts of your interiors. At the same time, you can protect metal assemblies inside your doors, windows, and rear compartment from water and rust damage.
The cost of these seals will vary depending on whether you choose a vehicle-specific set or opt for universal automotive weatherstripping. You may purchase these individually, in sets of two to six, or as part of a kit. You can expect to spend anywhere between $6 to $281.
CarParts.com can help you find the right weatherstrip seals for your vehicle in no time. We carry a wide selection of high-quality glass, door, trunk, and roof weatherstripping for your needs. Use our website’s built-in vehicle selector and plug in the year, make, and model of your vehicle to narrow down your search to all compatible parts.
Your car's windshield is built in such a way that it allows you to drive through rainy days and harsh weather elements without worrying about rain getting into your car. That's why it comes with a weatherstrip seal, a part that keeps rain and other tiny debris outside your vehicle . If you need a new one, keep in mind that basic knowledge of the different types of weatherstripping is necessary in choosing a weatherstrip seal that fits your car.
Weatherstrippings, or weather strip seals, can be classified into two different categories: one based on grooves and the other based on the material. Below is a brief description of the two and how each type is an advantage or a disadvantage to your vehicle.
Though your weatherstrip seal type choices are limited to two, it is still important to take certain factors into consideration. These factors include your car model and year, and the type of weatherstripping suited for windshields. Remember that weatherstrip seals for car doors and windows might not fit the windshield. Attaching the wrong type of seal can lead to leaks, drafts, rattling, and loosening of the windshield glass. Given that windshield replacement digs a large hole in your pocket, make sure that you only get weatherstrip seals designed for windshields.