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Beat the winter frosts! We protect seals against freezing 

Silicone for lead seals
Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

The doors freeze to the seals and cannot be opened. This is a problem that appears especially in the morning in winter, when we are rushing to work, to university, to school with our children or to an important meeting. This is a problem that concerns most drivers, who try to deal with it only when the doors refuse to cooperate. A strong pull and... if they open, we forget about the problem, but they can also get damaged or pose a lot of resistance.

Gaskets are considered a relatively inexpensive part of the car, maybe that's why they don't pay so much attention to them, you can always buy new ones. However, it turns out that replacing them is not as cheap as it may seem. Don't test it yourself. In winter, use silicone for seals, it is an effective protection against freezing. Forget about being late to work in the winter, missing classes at college, and a dissatisfied client you had an appointment with.

Why do I need functional seals?

The seals are made of rubber and are an element separating the interior of the vehicle from the external environment. Thanks to them, it is quiet while traveling and the inflow of outside sound is limited, so you can talk freely with other passengers. They are most often damaged in winter. This is the time when they are exposed to the increased impact of unfavorable weather conditions. Winters in Poland can be very capricious. During the day the temperature can be above zero, at night it drops below 0. This allows water to remain on the seal during the day and freeze at night.

silicone for gaskets

A frozen seal is almost certain to require replacement. Some seals also have special water drainage channels. You must know that they are located in different places, not only near the doors, but also in the trunk and sunroof. Check them all!

What happens when there are faulty seals in the car?

Contrary to appearances, this question is extremely important and it is worth knowing the answer to it. It is easy to guess that water gets into the interior of the vehicle due to the seal. However, the consequences may be more serious. Seals are installed in doors, windows and sunroofs. If water gets inside the vehicle due to a faulty seal, it can cause a lot of damage. All electrical and electronic devices are sensitive to water. There's no need to explain how their contact with water ends, right?

Even though all seals installed in vehicles cannot be seen at first glance, they are as important as those we encounter every day. They often protect important electrical and mechanical components that are sensitive to water and weather conditions. They can also be found on the pedals, they protect the frequently used gear lever and many other elements. As a result of frequent use of these mechanisms, especially in winter, the seal rubber becomes deformed and does not return to its initial condition. Correct maintenance helps it maintain its elasticity and elasticity. 

Frost protection – check and maintain

Yes, there are surprises, but only pleasant ones. The inability to open the door in winter or the need to replace the seal and additional costs are certainly not among them. Seals must be kept appropriately clean, but they must also be maintained regularly. Before applying the appropriate preparation, they should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Some people choose the simplest solution - they use Vaseline, which can be purchased at any drugstore. What is the effect of this? The rubber does not absorb the Vaseline that remains on its surface. Specialized ones are intended for maintenance silicones for seals. They restore their elasticity and prevent them from freezing. They are applied dry, which means they do not leave a greasy film. Thanks to the precise nozzle, silicone for seals reaches hard-to-reach places. Remember to use it all year round, not only when the first frost occurs.

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How to use silicones for gaskets?

 Certainly regularly and throughout the year, thanks to which you will extend their life and avoid unpleasant surprises. Before each use, shake the container, then apply the preparation directly to the seal and wipe it with a cloth. You can also spray a cloth with silicone and spread the agent on the seal.

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Gasket silicones are not suitable for use on glass surfaces and contact with the steering wheel and pedals should be avoided. Silicones for seals are universal products, they are suitable for protecting seals on doors, trunk, sunroof and windows. They do not stain clothes, you will admit that this is another big advantage. 

Durability of seals after preservation with silicones

The use of silicone allows the seals to regain their properties designed by their manufacturer. It is said that silicones renew and refresh seals. And that's how it is in reality. The rubber regains its properties and becomes elastic and soft again.

Especially seals that come into direct contact with low temperatures are exposed to degradation. This applies especially to door, trunk and electric roof seals. It often happens that after just one frosty winter, the seals lose their hermetic contact, deform and crack. Silicones make the rubber resistant to low temperatures and extreme temperature fluctuations. The durability of the seals thus increases significantly. The appearance of the seals does not change from year to year, and neither do their properties. It can be clearly stated that such maintenance of seals in winter allows them to remain in excellent condition all year round. 

 

 

 

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