Conditioner for Rubber Weatherstripping?
 

What is the waxy, whitish substance on new rubber weatherstripping? Mold release, or some sort of protectant?

What is the best protectant/conditioner to be used on a newish car? Oh, and the source?

TIA

I've got all new window rubber on my recently painted '76 and I am using Mother's Back to Black on it. If anyone thinks I am committing a giant mistake, let me know but it seems to moisturize it and keep it a nice satin black.

I bought Gummi Pflege Rubber Protection from our host.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/CARE/POR_CARE_einszt_pg10.htm

Well, Gummi Pflege was going to be my choice as well. But it turns out that BMW has discontinued selling it because it contains Silicone, which is allegedly harmful for the rubber in the long run!

Didn't know about the issue with silicone in Gummi Pflege...I have been using Lexol Vinylex for all other rubber and trim items (plus the tires) and have been pleased with it.

http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10716

You can go to any local drug store and buy glycerol ( sp? ) I believe this was recommended by Porsche long ago. Comes in a small bottle similiar in size to model car paint bottles.My son used to use this on a old VW Jetta on the rubber and it always looked good.

Wurth rubber care (no silicone & high glycerin content).
Or, 303 protectant.

Gummi Pflege +1 Works great on 20 year old rubber (not the one in my wallet).

I swear by 303 Aerospace Protectant
 

Works great, keeps black, black, not shiny, and has UV protectant.

the types of silicone that are bad for rubber are those that contain petroleum distillates.GM sells pure silicone grease for use on weatherstrips. it comes in a red and white tube and you can buy it from local chevy dealers. works great. a little goes a long way. use it once every six months

Brian

This is what I use. It's not cheap at about $20 a can. Come with brush applicator, but you only want a film on the rubber. Can should last til the next millennium.

Also as a dielectric for spark plug boots and other electrical connections.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158205275.jpg

I use Sil-glide from NAPA, $3.50 a tube

Here's the secret. Mineral oil. It hydrates the rubber and won't break it down. It will keep it dark and help keep it supple.

OK, many suitable products mentioned. But, the following is a scan of the Car Care section of my 02 Boxster's Owner's Manual.

What is with damaging the Anti Friction Coating?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158432690.jpg

TIA

This forum is unbelievably active!

Back to the top bump.

Clean supple rubber will become tacky and can cause a squeak if a door rubs on it going over bumps. A little lube goes a long way.

I'm pretty sure the "anti friction" magic dust that was there in 2002 is long gone by now.

Weatherstrips are pretty high quality rubber for the most part. They will be damaged from compression over the years and lose their resiliency. They can also suffer from chaffing while we get in and out of the car.

Basically, if it's not torn, worn, flat or leaking air/water. I wouldn't be too concerned with it.

I just rub some vaseline into them a couple times a year. Seems to work fine,

ianc

Vaseline is petroleum based. Petroleum will degrade the rubber. Mineral oil is natural and will not degrade the rubber

I recently tried 3M rubber dressing (mineral oil based) and it works great.

I've heardgood stuff about the 303 protectant...thinking of making a switch.