How to Repair the Rubber Strip on a Windshield

by Robert Russell

The rubber trim around a car windshield helps to form a protective barrier that keeps out the elements. Ultraviolet rays and ozone will eventually cause the rubber trim to deteriorate and degrade. Rubber fades, hardens, and cracks as it ages. When this happens to the rubber trim around your windshield, you can repair it yourself.

Step 1

Wipe down the rubber trim with mineral spirits and a rag to remove traces of oxidation.

Step 2

Clean the rubber trim with a auto cleaner and de-greaser. This removes grease, dirt, and other forms of debris that are detrimental to the rubber. Purchase the cleaner and degreaser at an auto parts store. Spray the rubber trim with the cleaner and degreaser and scrub it with a low abrasive pad.

Step 3

Tape off the surrounding areas around the rubber trim with blue painter's tape or masking tape.

Step 4

Fill in cracks with a small bead of urethane caulk. Smooth the caulk with a damp cloth or paint brush. Wipe off excess caulk with a damp cloth. Allow the caulk to dry and harden.

Step 5

Apply a coat rubber dye to the trim to restore the color. Use a product such as Forever Black. Rubber dye is easy to use and it restores and lubricates the rubber trim. Rubber trim dye is applied with a foam applicator tip. Hold the bottle upside down and allow the tip to become saturated with the dye and then apply the dye to the rubber trim. Allow the dye to dry. Repeat the process if necessary.

Step 6

Spray the rubber trim with rubber protecant. Purchase an auto rubber protectant such as Pinnacle Rubber and Vinyl Protectant. The rubber protectant provides a layer of protection against UV rays and ozone damage.