Maintaining rubber trim

What do people use to maintain the rubber seals of like the moonroof? I wanna keep them from getting dried and cracked, etc.

Thanks

Brian

NUshek said:

What do people use to maintain the rubber seals of like the moonroof? I wanna keep them from getting dried and cracked, etc.

Thanks

Brian

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303 Protectant.

The key maintenance concern is keeping the rubber seals “hydrated.” Chemically, rubber will dry out, so as long as you work-in vinyl/rubber protectants, then the rubber seals will remain supple for years.

The summer months in warm states can accelerate this dryness, so using these protectants routinely is recommended.

I don’t really like 303 for outside use, rain washes it away pretty easily.

davidgostbo said:

I don’t really like 303 for outside use, rain washes it away pretty easily.

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I owned a Honda Element for 16 years so I KNOW something about protectants. 303 is the best, but most people use it incorrectly (I did at first also). A little goes a long, long way! People think it should look like armour all when done, it shouldn't. Using too much causes streaking after rain and doesn't really absorb like it should. Very little, buffed in like a good leather cleaner is required, it should last 2500 miles and should bring weather torn plastics back to black. 303 will mail out a free sample, it comes on one of those handi wipes sized applicators, it's enough to do the entire Element when used properly.

Currently using WD40's silicone lubricant. Can find it in most shops and it's a spray so it's easy to apply using a cloth or applicator and definitely makes a noticable difference even after only one application. Just work it in a little every couple of weeks like Blitz has said and should be good to go.

This is the reality.
Which ever product you used, if following a down pour or after a wash, treated surface require maintenance re-treatment. It is proof that particular product is not effective.

I have used ceramic on exterior/interior plastic/rubber trim since 2003 on my '05 C6 Corvette and following a wash, the only thing I do is walk away post blow dry.

On my '18 Hatch Sport as well as C6 Corvette, I use Kamikaze line products and come this August, will be two years of walk away post wash/blow dry.

Picked up a set of new Rays couple of weeks ago, I coated wheels with Kamikaze Stance Rim coat, since I am extremely happy with results on both set of wheels on Corvette and Hatch.

As a FYI, if you want to have durable look and without maintenance on tires/plastic wheel well and enjoy walk away after wash, I applied, last September, using Optimum Tire Protection and Coating.

Good ceramic product is expensive. However, IMO, Follow up redundant maintenance is a waste of time.

Good luck.

NUshek said:

What do people use to maintain the rubber seals of like the moonroof? I wanna keep them from getting dried and cracked, etc.

Thanks

Brian

Click to expand...

There is a Honda grease, brand name Shin Etsu silicone, Part # 08798-9013