How To Protect Rubber Around Car Windows: Essential Tips and Tricks

Regular car maintenance is essential to keeping it in the best shape possible and involves a plethora of activities, from oiling and lubrication to cleaning and regular inspection of different parts. In this guide, we will show you how to protect rubber around car windows using store-based or household items. 

Rubber around car windows plays a big role in preventing water, dust, and any other weather element from entering inside. Furthermore, it creates a barrier that cushions the window glass and car’s metal parts, preventing direct contact that can cause damage. 

The rubber seal also acts as a sound barrier that locks out external noise. However, due to constant exposure to the unforgiving outdoor environment, the rubber becomes susceptible to mold, oxidation, and damage. 

Therefore, it is important to clean and maintain it regularly. By folowing the methods, products, and techniques discussed in this guide to avoid deterioration over time. 

How To Protect Rubber Around Car Windows

There are plenty of products that you can use to protect rubber around car windows. Here are a few products we recommend for this kind of job and the steps to follow during the application process. Let’s have a look. 

Method 1: Rubber-Safe Cleaner

It is essential to clean the rubber around car windows regularly to protect it. Cleaning removes the dust and debris trapped after the car is exposed to the outdoor environment and contaminants. 

Furthermore, you should thoroughly clean to remove all the contaminants that cause mold and oxidation on the edge of the window where the glass meets the rubber seal.

We highly recommend using Malco Ready-to-Use Glass Cleaner, a ready-to-use glass cleaner that eliminates grime quickly from any car glass. It is safe to use on any type of glass and the rubber seal around it. Besides, it cuts through every kind of contaminant for easy removal.

Steps to Follow

1. Thoroughly clean the rubber around the car window with water and car washing soap.
2. Spray the Malco Ready-to-Use Glass Cleaner directly onto the rubber surface to be cleaned. Once it sits, use a toothbrush to agitate the cleaning solution. 
3. The ingredients inside the cleaning solution will cut through all the dirt and grime on the rubber surface for easy removal. Afterward, wipe clean with a clean sponge or soft piece of cloth to remove the residue. 
4. Inspect if the rubber seal is clean and repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
5. If you have easy access to the rubber-safe cleaner, you can use mild detergent as the alternative.

Method 2: UV Protectant

UV radiation is harmful to not just the paintwork but also the rubber seals. Frequent exposure to UV rays causes the rubber seal to dry out and crack. If left untreated, the deterioration of the rubber causes leaks, which decrease its overall functionality.

Automotive UV protectants are readily available on the market, and we highly recommend using the 303 Automotive Protectant. It is uniquely formulated to provide the ultimate protection from UV damage, so the rubber around the car window will not fade or crack.

Furthermore, this product repels dirt, dust, and lint from forming on the rubber around the car window, maintaining a new-like appearance. It is also safe to use on all glasses, with or without tint.

Steps to Follow

1. Wipe the rubber around the car windows clean to remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
2. When clean, apply the 303 Automotive Protectant. You can spray it directly on the rubber or use a clean cloth to apply it.
3. After application, wipe the surface and dry it completely with a clean and dry microfiber towel.
4. If streaking occurs, use a clean, wet towel to remove the excess UV protection and wipe it dry immediately with another dry microfiber towel.

Method 3: Lubrication

Lubrication is another common method for protecting rubber around car windows. With proper lubrication, the rubber seal stays flexible all through. Lubrication also goes a long way to protect the rubber surface from drying and cracking, causing leaks.

Silicone-based lubricants are by far the best for lubricating rubber around cat windows. There are many models available on the market today, but we highly recommend the WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant.

This lubricant is formulated to be easy to apply on a wide range of surfaces, from rubber to metal to glass. It is quick-drying and cures into a clear, stain-resistant hard film. 

In addition to lubricating the rubber around the car window, it also leaves behind a hard film that provides additional protection from the elements.

Steps to Follow

1. Use a clean, wet cloth to remove the dust, dirt, and contaminants on the rubber surface.
2. Pour the WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant on a microfiber towel and apply it on the rubber surface.
3. Spread it evenly on the rubber around the car window.
4. After that, let it sit on the rubber surface for a couple of minutes to ensure maximum penetration.
5. If the rubber surface you are dealing with is very porous, apply the WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant twice or thrice for adequate coverage.

Method 4: Rubber Conditioner

Protecting rubber around car windows from drying using a rubber conditioner is important. The conditioner, like a lubricant, keeps the rubber seals moisturized all through. 

A good-quality rubber conditioner will also protect the rubber from harmful UV rays, which often cause it to crack due to dryness. We recommend the use of 303 Rubber Seal Protectant, which is readily available online or in local shops near you. 

This multipurpose product restores the seal elasticity rubber around car windows and conditions all weather seals for doors, hoods, and trunks, not just windows. It also provides extra protection against drying and cracking in extreme temperatures.

Steps to Follow

1. Start by preparing the rubber around the car window to receive the rubber conditioner.
2. After cleaning it and leaving it to dry, apply the 303 Rubber Seal Protectant.
3. Spread it all over the rubber using a clean cloth. Ensure that the spreading is done evenly and properly.
4. Allow the 303 Rubber Seal Protectant conditioner to sit for a few minutes and penetrate the rubber fully.
5. After that, use a cloth or an applicator pad to buff the conditioner and wipe the excess.
6. If the rubber around your car window is dry, you might have to apply the conditioner a couple of times to achieve the desired level of conditioning.

Method 5: Proper Handling

Since car window seals get affected by temperature changes. It is therefore important to keep them shut in extremely cold temperatures and exercise caution when closing windows in extreme temperatures.. 

You should also exercise caution and avoid slamming the doors in cold temperatures. Slamming the door puts unnecessary pressure on the rubber seals and might cause damage over time. On the other hand, in hot temperatures, keep the car windows slightly open. This enables proper air circulation and prevents heat buildup. 

Keeping the car windows slightly cracked also ensures that the chemicals and allergens buildup inside escape to the outside world. If you notice that the extreme temperatures have damaged the rubber around your car, you should have them replaced. 

A car with damaged rubber seals reduces insulation and allows dust, dirt, and contaminants to get inside through the cracks. Take it to a professional who will replace the rubber seals, inspect for any other imperfections, and fix them appropriately.

What Causes Rubber Around Car Windows To Deteriorate?

Now that we have gone through the five simple yet effective methods of protecting rubber around car windows, it is also prudent to understand what causes rubber deterioration in the first place. 

Let’s explore the common causes of rubber deterioration around car windows and how to prevent or mitigate these effects:

1. Oxidation

According to a review of rubber oxidation, based on research carried out over the past 50 years, found that oxidation is the leading cause of rubber deterioration, especially around car windows. 

Over time, oxygen in the air reacts with the rubber, causing oxidation. As a result, the rubber loses not just its flexibility but also its resilience against damage by environmental elements.

2. Chemical Exposure

When you expose your car to harsh chemicals, the rubber around its windows starts to deteriorate. The chemicals cut through the rubber, causing cracks. 

If left untreated, these cracks widen, trap dust, dirt and other contaminants that accelerate the deterioration of the rubber. Harsh chemicals can also cause leaks on the rubber and affect the car’s insulation.

3. UV Radiation

Harmful UV radiation is another leading cause of rubber deterioration around car windows. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun breaks down the rubber, causing cracks and leaks. Excessive exposure to UV radiation also results in oxidation, making the rubber brittle and discolored. 

4. Regular Wear and Tear from Friction

Friction causes normal wear and tear in different parts of a car, and the rubber around the windows is no different. 

Despite the rubber’s high friction strength, repeated friction from opening the car door causes wear and tear on the rubber seal. So, if you open and shut the door many times daily, you accelerate wear and tear.

5. Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations also cause rubber around car windows to deteriorate. Extremely high temperatures cause the rubber to age quickly. They also soften rubber and make it sticky, which causes deterioration when it reverts back to its original form. 

On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures weaken the rubber over time by making it brittle.

Conclusion

Rubber deterioration around car windows is common, especially for those who live in areas that experience temperature fluctuations occasionally. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to slow down deterioration.

Regular maintenance of the window and rubber seals goes a long way toward keeping them in good shape, come what may. Cleaning the car regularly is also important in slowing down the deterioration, as it removes all the dust, dirt, and contaminants trapped in the rubber seal.

Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API