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My New Door Seals Seem Too Thick and the Door Won't Close Properly

This is normal! New weatherstripping requires a break-in period.

Why New Seals Feel Too Thick:

  • Your old seals were compressed and worn over decades
  • New seals are manufactured to original specifications
  • They're designed to compress and conform to your vehicle over time

The Break-In Period:

  • Duration: Approximately 2 weeks
  • What happens: The rubber conforms to your car's body contours
  • What to do: Keep the doors closed as much as possible during this period

Tips to Speed Up Break-In:

  1. Keep doors closed – Let the rubber compress against the body
  2. Don't force it – If the door won't latch, the seal may need adjustment
  3. Be patient – The seal will soften and conform with time
  4. Normal use – Opening and closing the door helps the rubber "learn" its shape

When to Be Concerned:

If after 2 weeks of normal use the door still won't close or latch properly:
- Verify you installed the correct seal for your body style
- Check that the seal is properly seated in the channel
- Contact us for troubleshooting: 1-800-878-2237

Remember:

New seals are supposed to create a tighter seal than your worn-out originals. A little resistance is actually a good sign!

Jan 3, 2026

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