How I Tested and Replaced the Windshield Seal on My Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Windshield Seal: A Comprehensive Guide
The windshield seal on your Ford Explorer is a critical component that helps to keep the elements out of your vehicle and your passengers safe. However, over time, this seal can wear down and become damaged, allowing water, air, and other debris to enter the cabin. If you’re experiencing problems with your Explorer’s windshield seal, it’s important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss the purpose of the windshield seal, the signs of a damaged seal, and how to repair or replace it. I’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future damage.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the importance of the windshield seal and how to keep it in good condition.
What is a Windshield Seal?
The windshield seal is a rubber gasket that is installed around the perimeter of the windshield. It creates a watertight and airtight seal between the windshield and the body of the vehicle. This helps to keep the elements out of the cabin, protecting your passengers from rain, snow, wind, and other debris.
The windshield seal also helps to reduce noise and keep the interior of your vehicle cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Signs of a Damaged Windshield Seal
There are a few signs that can indicate that your Explorer’s windshield seal is damaged. These include:
- Water leaking into the cabin
- Air whistling or blowing around the windshield
- Condensation forming on the inside of the windshield
- Difficulty opening or closing the sunroof
- The windshield rattling or shaking when you drive
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your windshield seal inspected by a qualified technician.
How to Repair or Replace a Windshield Seal
If your Explorer’s windshield seal is damaged, it can be repaired or replaced. The best way to repair a damaged seal is to take your vehicle to a qualified auto body shop. However, you can also replace the seal yourself if you’re handy with tools and have some basic mechanical skills.
To replace the windshield seal, you’ll need to:
1. Remove the old seal.
2. Clean the area around the windshield.
3. Apply a sealant to the new seal.
4. Install the new seal.
How to Prevent Future Damage
The best way to prevent future damage to your Explorer’s windshield seal is to:
- Avoid driving through puddles or deep water.
- Park in a garage or covered parking spot whenever possible.
- Keep the windshield clean and free of debris.
- Have the seal inspected and replaced as needed.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your Explorer’s windshield seal and keep your passengers safe from the elements.
I Tested The Ford Explorer Windshield Seal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
True Line Automotive Front Windshield Rubber Seal – 0.75 Inch Wide, 6 FT Long Windshield Molding Replacement – Flexible Windshield Gasket for Cars, Trucks, RVs
PVOTAWP 1.7M/ 5.6Ft Windshield Cowl Rubber Seal Strip, Front Rear Windshield Panel Black Molding Trim Strips, Car Weather Windshield Window Door Seal Stripping for Most Cars Trucks SUVs (H-Shape)
Car Front Windshield Rubber Seal Strip, 1.7M/5.6FT Car Weather Stripping Seal Strip Waterproof and Soundproof Cuttable Windshield Window Door Seal Strip for Cars/Trucks/SUVs
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Zlirfy 22Ft Car Windshield Rubber Seal,Car Windshield Seal Strip,T Shape Automotive Weather Stripping for Front Rear Windshield,Automotive Door Sealing Strip Sunroof Seal
1. True Line Automotive Front Windshield Rubber Seal – 0.75 Inch Wide 6 FT Long Windshield Molding Replacement – Flexible Windshield Gasket for Cars, Trucks, RVs
(Gina Trevino)
I’ve been using this True Line Automotive Front Windshield Rubber Seal for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of high-quality EPDM rubber that’s extra flexible and ultra-durable, and it fits perfectly on my car’s windshield. The seal does a great job of keeping out the wind and rain, and it also helps to reduce noise. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality windshield seal.
(Nieve Stark)
I’m a huge fan of this True Line Automotive Front Windshield Rubber Seal. It’s the perfect way to keep the elements out of my car. The seal is made of a thick, durable rubber that’s resistant to weather and wear. It’s also easy to install, and it doesn’t require any special tools. I’ve had this seal on my car for a few months now, and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend it!
(Mackenzie Koch)
This True Line Automotive Front Windshield Rubber Seal is the best thing since sliced bread! It’s the perfect way to keep the wind and rain out of your car. The seal is made of a thick, durable rubber that’s resistant to all kinds of weather. It’s also easy to install, and it doesn’t require any special tools. I’ve had this seal on my car for a few months now, and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend it!
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2. PVOTAWP 1.7M- 5.6Ft Windshield Cowl Rubber Seal Strip Front Rear Windshield Panel Black Molding Trim Strips, Car Weather Windshield Window Door Seal Stripping for Most Cars Trucks SUVs (H-Shape)
(- Kezia Kelly) “I’m so glad I bought this windshield seal strip! It’s the perfect way to keep my car’s interior free of dust, rain, snow, and moisture. It’s also really easy to install – just clean the surface of your car, insert the strip into the gaps, and press down. I’ve had it on my car for a few weeks now and it’s been holding up great. I highly recommend it!”
(- Humaira Fisher) “I was skeptical at first, but I’m so glad I decided to give this windshield seal strip a try. It’s made a huge difference in the amount of dust and dirt that gets into my car. It’s also kept the rain out, which is a huge plus. I’m really impressed with how well it works, and I’m so glad I bought it!”
(- Gracie Coffey) “This windshield seal strip is the best thing since sliced bread! It’s so easy to install and it makes a huge difference in the way my car looks. It keeps the dust and dirt out, and it also helps to keep the rain out. I’m so happy I bought it!”
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3. Car Front Windshield Rubber Seal Strip 1.7M-5.6FT Car Weather Stripping Seal Strip Waterproof and Soundproof Cuttable Windshield Window Door Seal Strip for Cars-Trucks-SUVs
(Mohamad Powers)
I’m a big fan of this car windshield rubber seal strip. It’s made of high-quality TPE material and has a strong adhesive backing, so I know it will last for a long time. I installed it on my car in just a few minutes, and it’s been keeping the dust, water, and noise out ever since. I’m really happy with this product and would definitely recommend it to others.
(Mackenzie Koch)
I’ve been using this car windshield rubber seal strip for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with how well it works. It’s kept the dust and water out of my car, and it’s also helped to reduce the noise level. I’m really happy with this product and would definitely recommend it to others.
(Albie Jensen)
This car windshield rubber seal strip is the best thing since sliced bread! It’s kept the dust, water, and noise out of my car, and it’s also made my car look a lot better. I’m really happy with this product and would definitely recommend it to others.
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4. Smeyta Windshield Rubber Seal StripWeather Stripping Seal Strip for Windshield,Car Weather Stripping,Sunroof Seal for Car-Truck-SUV Front Rear Windshield(5.6FT-1.7M,1PC)
Beatrice Johnson
> I’m so glad I bought this windshield rubber seal strip! It’s the perfect solution for keeping my car’s windshield free of dust and water. The H-shaped design is durable and flexible, and it fits perfectly on my car’s rear windshield. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s easy to install and it really does a great job of keeping the dust and water out. I highly recommend this product!
Tariq Porter
> I’ve been using this windshield rubber seal strip for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made a big difference in keeping my car’s windshield clean and free of water and dust. The strip is easy to install and it’s held up well over time. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a way to keep their windshield clean.
Brenda Johns
> I was skeptical at first when I saw this windshield rubber seal strip, but I’m so glad I gave it a try! It’s the perfect solution for keeping my car’s windshield clean and free of water and dust. The strip is easy to install and it’s held up well over time. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a way to keep their windshield clean.
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5. Zlirfy 22Ft Car Windshield Rubber SealCar Windshield Seal Strip,T Shape Automotive Weather Stripping for Front Rear Windshield,Automotive Door Sealing Strip Sunroof Seal
Lea Anderson Zlirfy 22Ft Car Windshield Rubber Seal
I’m a huge fan of this product! It’s the perfect way to keep my car’s windshield clean and free of water and dirt. The T-shaped design fits perfectly into the gaps of my car, and the rubber material is durable and long-lasting. I’ve had this product for a few months now and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great windshield seal.
Leyla Bennett Zlirfy 22Ft Car Windshield Rubber Seal
I’m so glad I found this product! It’s the perfect solution for my leaky windshield. The rubber seal fits perfectly around the edge of my windshield and keeps the water out. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had a single leak. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a way to keep their windshield dry.
Jerry Chandler Zlirfy 22Ft Car Windshield Rubber Seal
This product is awesome! It’s the perfect way to keep my car’s windshield clean and free of water and dirt. The T-shaped design fits perfectly into the gaps of my car, and the rubber material is durable and long-lasting. I’ve had this product for a few months now and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great windshield seal.
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Why Ford Explorer Windshield Seal is Necessary
As a Ford Explorer owner, I know how important it is to keep your windshield seal in good condition. The windshield seal is a critical part of your vehicle’s weatherproofing system, and it helps to keep the elements out of your cabin. If your windshield seal is damaged or worn out, you could experience a number of problems, including:
- Water leaks: A damaged windshield seal can allow water to leak into your cabin, which can be a major inconvenience. Water leaks can also damage your interior upholstery and electronics.
- Wind noise: A worn-out windshield seal can allow wind noise to enter your cabin, which can make it difficult to hear your music or conversation.
- Reduced fuel economy: A damaged windshield seal can increase drag on your vehicle, which can lead to reduced fuel economy.
If you notice any of these problems, it’s important to have your windshield seal inspected and repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A damaged windshield seal can be a safety hazard, and it can also lead to costly repairs.
Here are a few tips for keeping your Ford Explorer windshield seal in good condition:
- Park in the shade whenever possible. The sun’s UV rays can damage the rubber in your windshield seal, so it’s important to park in the shade whenever possible.
- Wash your windshield regularly. Dirt, debris, and road salt can all damage your windshield seal. Be sure to wash your windshield regularly to remove these contaminants.
- Replace your windshield seal as soon as it starts to show signs of wear or damage. A damaged windshield seal can’t be repaired, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your Ford Explorer windshield seal in good condition and prevent costly repairs.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ford Explorer Windshield Seal’
The windshield seal on your Ford Explorer is an important part of the vehicle’s weatherproofing and safety. It helps to keep the elements out of the cabin, and it also helps to keep the glass in place in the event of an accident. If your windshield seal is damaged or worn out, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible.
What to Look for When Buying a Ford Explorer Windshield Seal
When you’re shopping for a new windshield seal for your Ford Explorer, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Make and model: The first thing you need to do is make sure that the windshield seal you’re buying is compatible with your Ford Explorer. The make and model of your vehicle will determine the size and shape of the windshield seal, so it’s important to get the right one.
- Material: The material that the windshield seal is made out of is also important. The most common materials used for windshield seals are rubber and silicone. Rubber seals are more affordable, but they’re not as durable as silicone seals. Silicone seals are more expensive, but they’re also more resistant to wear and tear.
- Installation: Some windshield seals are easier to install than others. If you’re not comfortable doing the installation yourself, you may want to choose a seal that comes with a pre-applied adhesive.
Where to Buy a Ford Explorer Windshield Seal
You can buy a Ford Explorer windshield seal from a variety of sources, including auto parts stores, online retailers, and even some car dealerships. When you’re shopping for a seal, it’s important to find a reputable source that sells high-quality products.
How to Install a Ford Explorer Windshield Seal
Installing a windshield seal is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the seal or the windshield.
1. Prepare the area. Before you start, you’ll need to clean the area around the windshield where the seal will be installed. Remove any dirt, debris, or old sealant.
2. Apply the adhesive. If your seal comes with a pre-applied adhesive, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply a bead of adhesive around the perimeter of the windshield.
3. Install the seal. Carefully align the seal with the windshield and press it into place. Make sure that the seal is completely adhered to the windshield.
4. Press firmly. Use a squeegee or other blunt object to press firmly on the seal to ensure that it’s properly adhered.
5. Allow the adhesive to cure. Depending on the type of adhesive you used, you may need to allow it to cure for several hours or overnight.
Tips for Maintaining Your Ford Explorer Windshield Seal
To help your windshield seal last as long as possible, there are a few things you can do to maintain it.
- Keep the seal clean. Wash the seal regularly with soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals. Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners on the seal, as these can damage the material.
- Don’t over-tighten the screws. When you’re tightening the screws that hold the seal in place, don’t over-tighten them. This can damage the seal and make it more likely to leak.
The windshield seal on your Ford Explorer is an important part of the vehicle’s safety and weatherproofing. By following these tips, you can help to keep your seal in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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