What Is Weatherstripping And Why Is It Important?

The weatherstrips are among the most subtle parts in your car. People barely pay attention to the weatherstrips on their car. Yet, the weatherstripping plays a huge role in the safety, comfort, and even fuel economy of your car.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

What Is Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping is a durable rubber strip. It adheres to the edges of your Toyota's doorframes, windows, and more. It sports a bulky design. It helps completely seal the gap between the frame and the part that covers the opening. The way the weatherstripping is affixed to the surface is quite simple. It's affixed with a strong adhesive and/or tabs.

You would find weatherstrips in many different areas on your vehicle, including:

• Doors
• Windows
  • Belt moldings are weatherstrips too
• Windshield
• Trunk
• Other inconspicuous areas:
  • Beltline
  • Cowl
  • Vent post
  • Truck and SUV bedside
  • Division post glass (the rear center windows on a truck)
  • Pillar post
  • Inner and outer header (on SUVs)
  • Roof rail
  • Sunroof

Weatherstripping Keeps The Interior Clean, Dry, And Comfortable

Have you ever wondered why your car is loaded with weatherstripping? The weatherstrips seal up the gaps between the frame and the part covering the opening. In doing this, the weatherstripping:

Protects outside elements from entering the interior of your vehicle, trunk, engine bay, etc. The elements include:

• Rain
• Snow
• Bugs
• Dirt
• Wind
• Rocks

Keeps the interior of the vehicle insulated. In other words, it keeps the inside of the car warm or cool. Without weatherstripping in winter, for example, you'll feel cold draft coming into the car and you won't be able to stay warm.

• Eliminates wind noises and rattles.
• Keeps your door closed and sealed.
• Keeps your windows tightly wound.

Weatherstripping Keeps You Safe

A car without weatherstripping is easier to break into. Also, imaging slamming a car door without any weatherstripping. There would be hard metal-on-metal contact. That means the window can shatter.

Weatherstripping Helps Your Toyota's Fuel Economy

Here's a little known benefit weatherstripping offers: it helps keep your car's fuel consumption low. Without weatherstripping, wind comes into the vehicle. This creates a drag, which leads to the vehicle using more fuel to push forward.

Weatherstripping Usually Lasts The Lifetime Of The Vehicle But Not Always

Image Credit: Toyota4Runner.org

Toyota designed the weatherstripping on its vehicles to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Yet, sometimes the weatherstripping can fail at some point due to:

• Accelerated wear and tear
• Harsh elements (such as extreme temperatures) damaging the weatherstripping

If you have damaged weatherstripping, you want to get it replaced ASAP. It doesn't have to be an expensive job, fortunately. You'll find genuine OEM weatherstripping parts on our site at wholesale prices. Check out all the OEM weatherstripping parts we have here!

I-ECO supply professional and honest service.

Written by Jason Lancaster

Material quality
Opt for weatherstrips made from high-quality materials such as epdm rubber or other synthetic compounds known for their durability, weather resistance, and longevity. Ensure the chosen material can withstand exposure to uv rays, extreme temperatures, and environmental factors.

Compatibility
Verify that the weatherstrips are compatible with the specific make and model of your vehicle. Different vehicles may have variations in door and window designs, so it's crucial to choose weatherstrips that fit seamlessly and provide a proper seal.

Type of weatherstrip
Identify the specific areas where weatherstrips are needed, such as doors, windows, trunks, hoods, or sunroofs. Select the appropriate type of weatherstrip for each area to ensure comprehensive sealing and protection.

Ease of installation
Consider weatherstrips that are designed for easy installation. Some weatherstrips come with pre-applied adhesive backing or integrated clips, simplifying the installation process and ensuring a secure fit.

Resistance to environmental factors
Evaluate the weatherstrips' resistance to elements such as water, dust, wind, and noise. Look for weatherstrips with excellent compression set resistance to maintain their sealing properties over time.

Aesthetics
While functionality is crucial, consider the visual aspect as well. Weatherstrips can contribute to the overall appearance of the vehicle. Choose weatherstrips that complement the design and color scheme of the car.

Certifications and standards
Check if the weatherstrips comply with industry standards and certifications. Meeting specific quality standards ensures that the weatherstrips are manufactured to a certain level of performance and durability.

Warranty
Look for weatherstrips that come with a warranty. A warranty provides assurance of the confidence in the product's quality and may offer protection in case of defects or premature failure.

Price considerations
While cost is a factor, prioritize quality over price. Investing in high-quality weatherstrips may initially be more expensive but can save money in the long run by preventing water damage, reducing noise, and enhancing the overall lifespan of the vehicle.