Is it possible to prevent the rubber weather stripping from cracking by treating it with something / applying something to it?

The weather stripping I’m referring to is located where the doors meet the glass windows. It keeps water from getting inside the doors (where the glass window rests once it’s down all the way).

I ask b/c if the weather stripping cracks and water gets inside the doors and rusts the components, those components will break, and (like on my previous car) I may, for example, lose the ability to open the car door from the outside (as the outside handle may no longer work).

PS: The car is not kept in a garage.

If yours are in really bad shape you can get new ones for around $35 each at the dealer. If they're still good then I imagine any rubber or vinyl treater will work on them. I've heard vaseline is good for weatherstripping too.

Clean with soap & water and lube with Silicon Spray at least every six months. No problems with it if you keep it clean and flexible.

I used silicone frequently--don't forget the strip of rubber under the deck lid.

JamesC

Black magic has a special thick silicone gel. Autozome sells it. This is what I have used for years, since 89. I think its the main reason my T-tops are not yet leaking with the original weatherstrip!

just another recomendation for the silicone spray. Mine are new, but the manual says spray them suckers every six months!

Is WD-40 considered silicone spray?
It sits on the shelves of the retail stores with other cans that are labeled “silicone spray,” and, from the info on the cans, it is essentially used for the same jobs / purposes.

Another vote for silicone but belueve it or not, my neighbor has a 1969 Z28 and religously has used baby oil for the last 30 years. The rubber is still like new. He has owned the car since 1970 and has about 60K on it now. I'll try and get a pic.

Go to your nearest BMW dealership, and ask for a tube of Gummi Pfledge. By far the best weatherstip lubricant/protectant I have ever come across.

soon as i figure out how to get the old ones off and get the new ones on that will be the first thing i do. $hit my weather tripping on the out door window is by far the worst u will ever see. i should get a pic u guys would cuss me. lol

Is WD-40 considered silicone spray?
It sits on the shelves of the retail stores with other cans that are labeled “silicone spray,” and, from the info on the cans, it is essentially used for the same jobs / purposes.
:lala:

No.

JamesC

Vasoline and let the seals sit in the sun for a little bit... Works for me!