Is It Necessary To Change the Seals When Replacing the Glass on a Car?
Often car owners do not understand whether it is worth changing the seal if the car glass is to be replaced.

Often car owners do not understand whether it is worth changing the seal if the car glass is to be replaced. Let's figure out in which cases it is necessary to install new seals, and what is the danger of refusing to update them.
In most cases, over time, seals lose their elasticity and tightness on side windows.
Functions of car glass seals
Seals are flexible elements that are located around the perimeter of the car's windows. Side window seals have different profiles.
Key functions of the seal
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Protection from moisture and dirt - prevents them from entering the car interior through the joint between the glass and the body;
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Soundproofing - helps reduce the noise level in the cabin, which is especially important when driving at high speeds;
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Vibration protection - reduces the impact of vibrations on the glass, which helps to extend its service life.
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How do worn seals harm your car?
The condition of the seals directly affects the durability of the metal parts of the car, the rate of wear of the outer surface of the side glass and the interior trim. Worn or poor-quality seals can affect comfort and safety and increase the cost of car maintenance.
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Corrosion . Constant humidity causes corrosion of metal parts of the body.
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Risk of glass damage . Poor quality seals on the side windows can cause micro-scratches.
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Premature wear of the climate control system . Bad seals disrupt the microclimate in the cabin: heat in winter and coolness in summer quickly evaporate outside. This forces the air conditioning and heating system to work under increased load, which can lead to its accelerated wear.
Accelerated aging of the interior . Dust and dirt that get inside the car through damaged seals lead to contamination and wear of the interior surfaces. Moisture helps mold spread through the interior fabrics.
When should you change the seals?
If there is damage to the seal, it is recommended to replace it. The old seal may not provide perfect sealing. Over time, all seals wear out and lose elasticity. Here are the main signs that indicate the need to replace the seals:
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Cracks or damage have appeared on the surface of the seal;
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Peels off - no longer adheres tightly to the glass;
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Extraneous sounds appeared in the cabin - when the seal is worn out, the noise level increases.
There are problems that can only occur on the side windows, they require replacement of the door glass seal:
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Water gets inside the car, especially after rain or washing;
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The windows fog up from the inside - this is often due to air leakage through worn seals.
Experts recommend using high-quality analogs or original seals. Cheap, low-quality analogs lose elasticity faster, which leads to cracks and breaks. In such a situation, the seal will need to be replaced again.
How is the glass seal installed?
Replacing the glass seal is done in stages, using professional equipment and quality materials. We will describe how specialists do it.
Removing the old seal
Over time, the old seal may lose its elasticity and tightness, which can cause moisture and road dirt to penetrate into the interior. When replacing the glass seal, the first step is to carefully remove the old element. Usually, the seal is attached with latches or glued, so it is convenient to use a plastic spatula to remove it to avoid damaging the edges of the glass and the door frame.
Cleaning the mounting area
Before installing a new seal, it is important to thoroughly clean the mounting area from old glue, dirt and rust. This ensures a tight and secure fit of the new glass seal, preventing the formation of cracks. It is also recommended to treat the surface with a degreaser.
Installing a New Window Seal
When replacing a window seal, it is important to select a seal that exactly matches the vehicle model. Some seals come with an adhesive layer, while others may require additional adhesive. It is best to start installation from one edge, gradually moving around the entire perimeter and pressing the seal evenly to avoid distortion and ensure a tight seal.
Checking the operation of the window regulator
After the replacement of the glass seal is completed, you need to raise and lower the glass several times to check its operation. If the seal is not installed evenly, the glass may stick or move with difficulty, which can lead to damage to the window regulator.
Checking the tightness and fit
The final stage is checking the tightness of the new glass seal. You can conduct a test with water to make sure that the seal does not let moisture through and reliably protects the interior from external influences.
Replacing the glass seal, if done correctly, will extend the life of the glass, increase comfort and quietness in the cabin, and provide reliable protection from dust and water.
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Recommendations for the care of new seals
New glass seals require minimal maintenance. Regularly clean the seals from dust and dirt using a soft damp cloth. Do not use aggressive chemicals that can damage the seal material.
Conclusions
Replacing seals when installing a new side window is not only a precaution, but also a way to prevent potential problems. Worn seals can worsen the seal, reduce sound insulation and lead to moisture getting into the cabin. Good seals not only increase comfort inside the cabin, but also extend the service life of both the new glass and the car body itself.
Contact Bitstop installation centers. Our experienced craftsmen will determine the condition of the seal, select a new one and promptly install it when replacing the car glass. Bitstop warehouses always have a large selection of car glass in stock - replacement is possible on the day of the request.
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