Replacing Auto Weatherstripping

Considering Going to a Professional

  • Removing weatherstripping and replacing it can be quite a job. Many body shops and mechanics will do this job quickly and professionally for not much more than the price of weatherstripping and labor, and it will take a lot less time than trying to do it yourself. The problem with replacing weatherstripping in your car yourself is that if you cut a piece too long or short, it may act as a jam or spring board and won't allow your trunk or door to latch.

Remove the Old Weatherstripping

  • The old weatherstripping around your trunk and doors can be pulled off with a pliers or vise-grip. Grab an end of the weatherstripping and pull up. Once you start to get the weatherstripping to come up, fold the piece over the strip you're pulling on, creating a U shape, and continue to firmly, slowly pull off the weatherstripping. Use a flat-head screwdriver and flat putty knife to scrap off excess weatherstripping and adhesive.

Installing New Weatherstripping

  • Measure the length of weatherstripping you need to outline all of the door frames and trunk. Buy weatherstripping and weatherstripping adhesive from an auto repair store. Cut the proper-sized lengths of weatherstripping for each area. Read the directions completely on the weatherstripping adhesive. Apply weatherstripping adhesive to the area where you're going to lay the weatherstripping. Start laying the weatherstripping and press the weatherstripping firmly into the adhesive. Make sure the entire length of weatherstripping seats well into the adhesive. Let it set for the required time on the adhesive bottle, then close the doors and trunk onto the weatherstripping to seal it completely.