Subaru Repair: Weather stripping, subaru impreza outback sport, subaru impreza outback

Question
Hi Zeke!  How are you? Just a quick question: what is the best way to maintain & increase the life of the rubber weather stripping around the windows of my Subaru Impreza Outback Sport - i.e., help to prevent or slow down drying & cracking?

thanks so much
Lou

Answer
For Subaru's, this is an important question - since Subaru does not use a metal window frame and the weatherstip must form a seal directly to the glass. First, clean the glass; especially at the top of the window where it comes in contact with the weatherstrip. Often there is a trace of black "gunk" - from the weatherstip - that sometimes needs to be scraped off. Make sure not to use something too heavy, or the soapy residue will cause the glass to stick to the weatherstip when it dries. Then apply some silicone to the weatherstrip to keep the weatherstip from drying out. My guys like to use a spray silicone available at any auto parts store, applied to a cloth first, then wipe the weatherstrip. Finally, pay special attention to the weatherstrip at the rear windows or the passenger side front window. We seem to have alot more problems with weatherstrip tearing or being pulled out of position at the windows that are not used as much. Finally, you may need to treat your weatherstip more often when it is cold outside. Good luck! You have a great car!