How to wipe rubber in plastic windows. Care of rubber seals

Any thing in our everyday life in any case requires care, and the window seal is no exception. Perform all the necessary procedures on time, and the metal-plastic products will delight you with high-quality operation and long service life.

Rubber is used in many household structures: various hoses, seals, adapters, car parts. Over time, products made from this material fail, dry out, lose elasticity, and become inconvenient to use. It's not worth buying new elements right away, you can try to soften the rubber at home.

Reconditioned rubber part using kerosene method

Under the influence of external factors, rubber elements lose their original properties, become less elastic, and harden. Their further use will not bring the desired effect; seals, for example, will not be able to make the system completely sealed. Buying new rubber elements is sometimes difficult due to the lack of products of the required size or their overpriced.

The following substances can soften rubber:

1. Kerosene. Allows you to make rubber parts soft by affecting the structure of the material. After processing, the rubber element is fully elastic. The recovery technology is as follows:

• fill a small container with kerosene (choose the size of the container depending on the size of the product to be restored);
• place the part in a container with kerosene for 3 hours;
• after the specified time, check the product for softness, if the result is satisfactory: remove the material and rinse with warm running water;
• dry the material in a natural way, without using a hair dryer or battery.

1. Ammonium alcohol. The process of restoring old material is as follows:

• dilute the indicated alcohol with water in a ratio of 1: 7;
• place the rubber material in the resulting solution for half an hour;
• after the specified time, remove the part and rinse with warm running water;
• let the parts dry completely before using.

Please note: you cannot keep rubber in a solution of ammonia and water for more than an hour. If the material does not become elastic after 30 minutes, use a different recovery method.

1. Rubbing alcohol followed by glycerin. Reanimation technology for rubber parts:

• fill the container with medical alcohol;
• place in alcohol the part that needs restoration for several hours;
• after the specified time has passed, check the condition of the product, if it is soft enough, remove the element from the solution and wash it with warm soapy water;
• rub glycerin into the surface of the part using a sponge (cloth);
• remove the remains of glycerin from the surface of the product.

Instead of glycerin, it is allowed to use automotive oil, it is rubbed into the surface of the product, then the parts are kept for half an hour before use. During this period, the rubber becomes sufficiently elastic.

1. Castor oil and silicone. Let's make a reservation right away - this method allows you to quickly "reanimate" old rubber, but the recovery effect will not last long, after a few days the product will become hard. For this method, follow the sequence:

• smear the part with silicone;
• wait 10 minutes;
• after the specified time, the part can be used.

Note that a similar effect is achieved with castor oil. It is rubbed into the surface of the part, after which it becomes soft and elastic.

Heating is an effective method

There are situations when the rubber element, due to its hardening, is difficult to remove from structural parts. To achieve the desired result, you can heat the rubber with a stream of hot air using a hair dryer. When exposed to high temperature, the material will become softer, it will be possible to pull it off the part.

Too "hardened" element is softened by boiling in salted water. The technology is as follows:

• fill the container with salted water;
• let the liquid boil;
• place the rubber element in boiling water for 10 minutes;
• remove the rubber and quickly use it for its intended purpose.

This method is quite effective, but has a short-term effect. Cooling down, the rubber will become hard again.

Conclusion

You can soften the rubber using the methods described above. It is necessary to take into account: a long-term effect after recovery, has a method with kerosene. Rubber, after its application, remains soft and elastic for a long time, because the structure of the material changes. Other methods do not allow achieving this result.

So that in winter the driver does not have problems opening the doors, you need to prepare for the frost in advance and treat the door seals with a special compound. The best option is grease for car door sealswhich prevents the rubber seal from freezing.

In general, a silicone-based lubricant is a versatile product that not only protects gum and other surfaces, but also used for many other tasks. Its use multiplies the lifetime of many decorative and sealing elements in any car.

The grease used for rubber seals, protects the elements from cracking, aging, winter freezing... In addition, this agent improves tightness, heat and sound insulation.

But it is precisely the versatility of the existing properties of silicone-based lubricants that allows them to be used for almost all rubber and plastic car parts. Silicone has ideal chemical properties, including water repellency and the ability to protect parts from mechanical damage. The operating temperature of such products is in the range from -50 ° C to + 250 ° C. But regardless of the ambient temperature, the viscosity of silicone greases does not change.

This allows you to use silicone for car doors and other elements at any time of the year: in winter - to prevent the seal from freezing to the body, and in summer - to prevent drying out and destruction of rubber parts.

Benefits of seal lubricants

We noted above that silicone for car doors is resistant to both low and high temperatures... And this is its main advantage! Thanks to a special carbon composition that was developed to preserve certain elements, silicone-based lubricants have indispensable properties - resistance to low temperatures.

Sure, if it is impossible to use special agents for lubricating rubber elements, you can use technical petroleum jelly, which has similar properties, but differs from silicone in a shorter duration of effect. In addition, glycerin may be suitable, which softens the rubber, prevents its cracking and freezing.

But the most effective are silicone-based lubricants, which have a number of significant advantages:

• versatility of tools and ease of use;
• increased environmental friendliness of the lubricant;
• low cost;
• antistatic properties, which prevents the accumulation of dust on rubber elements;
• increased moisture-repellent properties.

Considering the ease with which condensate crystallizes at low temperatures, which leads to freezing of the sealing gum, the increased ability to repel moisture can be considered the most important property in winter.

Varieties of lubricants

Asking the question of how to lubricate the rubber bands, you need to have an idea of \u200b\u200bhow what types of lubricants are available to motorists today and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type. This should be discussed in more detail.

Paste products

These are thick plastic mixtures applied with napkins. Paste-like means are used when processing automotive rubber seals, equipment for diving and home appliances. The disadvantages of such lubricants include the difficulty of lubricating hard-to-reach places.

Gel products

This type of grease has a thick or liquid consistency and is applied to the parts with a soft cloth. The advantages of thick funds include the fact that parts that are not processed remain clean... While their disadvantage is the impossibility of applying in hard-to-reach places. Liquid gel products are used to treat complex devices, since they, on the contrary, easily penetrate into hard-to-reach places. The disadvantage of liquid gel products is their ability to spread, but sometimes, this becomes their clear advantage.

Aerosol products

These tools are easy to use. They are used to apply on large surfaces and small parts in hard-to-reach areas. The disadvantage of aerosols is excessive splashing.leading to contamination of neighboring elements. To reduce splashing, use special long nozzles. In addition, aerosol products will form grease stains if rubbed insufficiently.

Conditioner "Very Lube"

It is a spray formulation for rubber and plastic surfaces. It promotes color restoration, protection against aging... The spray has excellent cleaning properties, penetrates deeply into small cracks and scratches, and by filling them cleans them from dust and dirt accumulations. The use of such a tool helps to restore the original color and shine, improve the aesthetic appearance of rubber surfaces, protect against fading and cracking, prevent rubber seals from freezing on doors, hoods, and trunk. The only disadvantage of applying a spray is the fragility of the protective coating. This increases the need for their use.

Penetrating grease "NanoProTech"

Today, greases of this type have become very popular. They are have ideal moisture-proof, anti-corrosion, lubricating and penetrating properties... Prevents freezing of moving parts at temperatures down to -80 ° C. The grease is recommended for use on rubber seals. It guarantees reliable protection against moisture, improves the condition of rubber elements and their stable operation. The tool has many advantages:

• promotes the formation of a waterproof and water-repellent protective layer, which expels moisture;
• filling microscopic cracks and depressions;
• the grease retains its elasticity for a long time;
• does not destroy materials;
• does not dissolve with water and does not form an emulsion;
• the product contains no rubber, silicone, teflon, etc.;
• the product is not affected by external factors;
• it is safe for humans and nature;
• resistant to mechanical stress;
• operating temperature range from -80 ° C to + 160 ° C;
• the period of preservation of protective properties is up to three years.

Application

Automotive lubricants have wide range of applications.

Door seals

Lubricants are actively used to prevent the occurrence of cracks and wear of the sealing elements of doors, hood, trunk... Experts recommend regularly treating these elements with silicone-based lubricants. This contributes to maximum sealing and the absence of extraneous sounds in the cabin. In addition, such lubricants are used to treat all kinds of moving elements and surfaces.

The door hinges and side window grooves are treated with silicone spray. For easy sliding of the hatch and reducing loads on its surface, this treatment extends the operating time.

In addition, all surfaces treated with such means are protected from wear and damage, corrosion of external factors.

Locking mechanisms

Regardless of the make and model of the car, all vehicles have a decent number of locking mechanisms. All of them are exposed to external factors and mechanical wear. For example, condensate, accumulating in the secret of an element in winter, freezes, which makes it difficult or impedes the opening of doors, hood, trunk and other parts equipped with a lock. To prevent this need to be lubricated regularly the mechanisms mentioned.

Silicone-based lubricant prevents icing. Excellent penetrating characteristics facilitate easy penetration of the product into any hard-to-reach places. Teflon, which is part of the composition, creates an invisible protective layer on the surfaces of parts. This prevents corrosion and various oxidations.

Silicone is highly resistant to salt solutions, alkalis and mildly aggressive acids.

Plastic elements

Plastic parts in the car interior (dashboard, door cards, etc.) are often emit extraneous noises, in order to prevent this, it is recommended to use these chemicals.

A silicone-based lubricant is excellent at this task. Lines of contact and joints, treated with silicone grease, stop making any noise. Also, with the help of these compositions, you can process any plastic elements, this gives them shine and thereby changes the look of the interior.

Suspension parts

Suspension parts made of rubber are exposed to harmful foreign microparticles. Moisture, dust or sand, getting on the parts, act on them like abrasives, which leads to their rapid wear. In winter, to reduce the effect of aggressive compounds and reagents on the suspension parts, it is also advisable to treat it with a protective agent. Today, all kinds of silicone-based lubricants are on sale, focused on protecting metal body parts and chassis from negative effects that cannot be avoided by operating a car.

Control details

Silicone greases extend the service life of pedal and lever seal bushings. Moreover, aerosols are excellent for applying to cables. To do this, the agent is blown into the protective casing of the cable, by means of a special thin nozzle, having previously disassembled it.

This treatment promotes good glide and protects against moisture / dust.

What to choose

Silicone rubber seal greases are based on mixing poly-methyl-silixane solution and propylene with the addition of different types of polymers. The difference between the means is almost impossible to discern. They all give excellent moisture repellency and lubrication results.

The main differences between these funds are in the presence or absence of odor, convenience in the process of processing and application. Operating temperature conditions also differ slightly (ranges -30 ° C- + 200 ° C and -50 ° C- + 250 ° C). The solvents contained in such products are easily eroded, thanks to which they dry quite quickly.

To determine the type of lubricant, it is necessary carefully read the instructions for use and those. parameters... It is preferable to treat glass seals with a paste or gel-like agent; for the hood / trunk, gels and aerosols are the best options.

The quality of lubricants is determined by their shelf life, manufacturer's rating and price - a low-quality composition may have a low cost.

All components of the system in which liquids are used - oil, refrigerant, grease for power steering, transmissions - are equipped with sealing elements. The presence and operability of the seals prevents the leakage of consumables. However, to ensure proper operation of the sealing components, the parts must be lubricated periodically. From this article you will learn what the pros and cons of silicone grease for rubber seals and what such products are produced in.

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Composition and function of the substance

Lubricating silicone for cars in the form of an aerosol or gel is an artificial substance developed on the basis of organic and inorganic materials. The base of the product is silicone oil or lithium grease and other elements such as hydrocarbon solvent, propellant, etc. Thickeners may be used in the grease.

What are the requirements for the substance:

• must be compatible with the material of which the sealing elements are made, as well as the adjacent spare parts;
• product performance is maintained over a wide temperature range;
• the substance must reliably protect the rubberized elements from rapid wear and tear and cracking;
• processing parts with lubricant should lead to a decrease in friction;
• one of the main requirements - the product must provide a separation effect, that is, after using it, the parts must not stick to each other;
• when processing seals, the substance should increase the tightness of the connection;
• the product must be resistant to water so that it does not wash off the substance as a result of contact with lubricated parts.

The main functions of the substance:

1. Restorative. The use of the substance must ensure the preservation of the elasticity of the treated elements. If parts begin to soften during operation, the product must quickly restore the elasticity, functionality and appearance of the seals.
2. Insulating. The grease protects the rubber elements from water.
3. Lubricating. The treatment of parts with a substance allows the sealing elements to better adhere to various surfaces.
4. Protective. It consists in ensuring the durability of the service life of the parts. The lubricant must not only prevent the seals from being exposed to water, but also prevent corrosion on metal components. High-quality lubricants prevent dust and dirt from getting inside the structure.

Lubricating door seals

Properties of the substance:

1. Increased adhesion.
2. The lubricant does not adversely affect the surfaces to be treated.
3. Bioinertness. Due to this property, bacteria and harmful organisms cannot normally exist in a silicone environment.
4. Increased dielectric as well as antistatic performance. This prevents the product from passing voltage and current through it.
5. Elasticity. One of the main properties.
6. Resistance of the product to oxidative reactions. Allows to increase its service life and provide reliable protection of parts.
7. Good anti-friction properties.
8. Environmental friendliness. The use of the lubricant will not harm human health and the environment.
9. Durability. Quality products are characterized by a long evaporation period.
10. Non-flammability. The substance will not flare up even when operated at elevated temperatures.
11. Resistant to alkaline elements and weak acidic compounds.
12. The grease is odorless and colorless. Thanks to this, its use will not spoil the appearance of the parts. In some cases, product manufacturers add flavorings to the ingredients.
13. The ability of a substance to transfer heat well.
14. Wide operating temperature range. Due to its composition, silicone grease can retain all its properties and characteristics when working under extreme temperatures. On average - from 50 degrees below zero to 200 degrees Celsius.

Types and forms of release

Briefly about the varieties and forms of product release:

1. Paste. The thick lubricant in the form of a paste is easy to use. The main disadvantage of such a substance is that when using it, the car owner will not be able to process hard-to-reach places. We are talking about locks, door hinges, etc.
2. Gel. Not much different from the paste, except for the consistency. The gel is more liquid.
3. Liquid. The use of liquid lubricant is important in complex mechanisms. The main disadvantage of the substance is that it can spread.
4. Spray can. This type of spray lubricant is easy to operate. But it is best used for large surfaces. During operation, the spray will fly in different directions, if the manufacturer has not provided for the presence of a special tube in the kit. The use of grease can cause it to come into contact with a person's hands and clothing, and surfaces that do not need to be treated. The substance in the form of an aerosol needs to be rubbed when applied. Otherwise, greasy stains may remain on the surface.

A Big Boys Toys user in his video told how to use the lubricant correctly.

Overview of lubricants

Lubricants can differ in their application and in the presence of certain odors. Temperature ranges will vary depending on the product.

There is a large selection of silicone lubricants for rubber seals on the market, consider the most popular substances.

WD-40

One of the most famous products available in the form of a spray. Initially, this type of lubricant was intended to remove corrosion on metal parts of a car.

Other useful characteristics have been discovered during use. These include:

• discerning ability;
• creating a protective layer to prevent the negative effects of moisture.

In fact, WD-40 allows you to increase the resource of rubber elements. If the substance comes into contact with polystyrene or polycarbonate, then it destroys these compounds. When using WD-40 grease, care must be taken to avoid getting it on mucous membranes.

Glycerol

Characterized by:

• low solidification temperature;
• high hygroscopic characteristics.

Therefore, glycerin can be used to protect rubberized seals. As a result of processing, the lubricant softens the rubber and makes it elastic, which helps prevent cracking. The disadvantages of the product include the fragility of its action. For high-quality surface treatment, the car owner will have to periodically use lubricant.

Very lube

It is used for processing plastic and rubberized parts and elements. The use of a lubricant helps to restore the color of the components as well as protect them from rapid wear. The main feature of the product is its detergent properties. The lubricant allows you to deeply penetrate scratches and microcracks, performing and cleaning from dirt. By restoring the original color, the substance improves the appearance of rubber products. Lubrication prevents cracking of parts and prevents them from freezing in the cold season.

The main disadvantages include the fragility of the protective coating. The car enthusiast will often have to use lubricant.

Nanoprotech

The grease has gained great popularity among consumers due to its characteristics:

• waterproof;
• anti-corrosion;
• penetrating;
• lubricating.

The use of substances helps to prevent freezing of seals on moving units and mechanisms. The product performs well when used in the Far North, since its freezing point is -80 degrees. The substance completely pushes moisture out of microcracks on the treated surface. Its use allows the rubber seals to remain elastic. Plastic, metal parts, paintwork are not destroyed by using Nanoprotech. The use of a lubricant prevents the formation of an emulsion. This product does not contain rubber or Teflon.

Rezin

As a result of application, the lubricant forms a polymer layer that provides water-repellent characteristics to rubber products. The temperature range is from -50 to +50 degrees. The grease is considered to be all-season, therefore it can be used at any time of the year. One of the main features of the product is the increased content of silicone in the lubricant.

Compared to other sprays, its volume in the Rezin base is five times larger. Due to the presence of a special dispenser in the form of a sponge in the kit, it provides ease of use for processing hard-to-reach places. When used, the lubricant does not leak out, is not washed off with water Since this type of product does not belong to aerosols, during operation it does not settle in the air, does not irritate human mucous membranes, and does not settle in the lungs.

Step up

The product is manufactured by a well-known US company that produces automotive cosmetics. The grease has good water-repellent properties. Its use protects rubberized parts and elements on the doors and windows of the car, as well as components in the trunk and engine compartment of the car from rapid wear. The working temperature range varies from -50 to +200 degrees. A thin tube is included with the spray, allowing you to process even the most inaccessible surfaces.

Eltrans

The product is produced by a Russian company of the same name. Domestic lubricants are designed to protect plastic and rubberized elements. The use of the substance provides the creation of a protective coating on the parts, which not only improves their appearance, but also protects against the negative effects of water and frost.

A distinctive feature is the addition of an aromatic additive to the lubricant, as a result of which the product does not have an unpleasant odor. The main disadvantage according to consumer reviews is the lack of a tube in the kit, which makes the use of the substance impossible for processing hard-to-reach parts.

Liqui moly

Liquid Moli Company produces Silicone-Fett and Silicone-Spray products. Reviews and numerous studies show that the grease of this manufacturer is of high quality. Thick substances are supplied to the market in special tubes, their use is relevant for the processing of door hinges. Sprays have penetrating characteristics that provide protection for parts located in hard-to-reach places. The product kit does not include a tube. The temperature range of use is from -40 to +200 degrees.

Molykote Dow Corning 200/1000

Belgian products in aerosol form. They help prevent the negative impact of water on rubber and metal parts of the car. The grease effectively protects seals even at critically low negative temperatures. Molykote Dow Corning 200/1000 is considered to be one of the best in terms of strength and stability compared to other lubricants.

Turtle Wax

Designed specifically for the processing of rubber and plastic components. Turtle Wax can also be used for lubricating metal and textile components and parts. The substance is considered universal and allows you to reliably protect and isolate the rubbing parts of the car from the negative effects. In the cold season, after washing the vehicle, Turtle Wax prevents rubberized seals and gaskets from freezing, displaces moisture from them and significantly reduces the coefficient of friction. Also, the tool effectively insulates high-voltage cables and the switchgear cover of the ignition system if there is high humidity outside.

Silicot

Water-repellent, produced by a Russian company. The temperature range of use varies from -50 to +230 degrees. The lubricant is characterized by a medium viscosity level, its use is more relevant on large surfaces and parts. Also, the product has high adhesion. Belongs to the category of universal products.

MC Sport

This Russian-made product is characterized by a high content of silicone with fluoroplastic in the substance. Thanks to this, the operation of the MS Sport is allowed in pairs, that is, in units where one of the components is made of steel or other metal, and the other is made of plastic, rubber, leather, etc. The use of the tool is allowed not only for processing machine parts, but also in everyday life.

In structure, this grease is semi-solid, therefore its operation is possible in bearing devices and other lightly loaded rolling and sliding mechanisms. Research has shown that it effectively protects treated parts from dirt, rust and liquids. MC Sport is water-repellent. This grease does not pass current through itself, does not wash off under the influence of water and effectively removes squeaks. Due to the formation of a frost-resistant layer on the surface of parts, the substance prevents the effects of corrosion on the elements of the car.

Areas of application of the material

Lubricants can be used not only for the treatment of automotive parts, but also in everyday life.

Using the product in the car

What elements of the machine can be lubricated:

• interior plastic parts, for example, a control panel or center console;
• the substance is used for rubber bands and seals on car doors, luggage compartment, hood, windows, fuel tank cap, etc .;
• hinges and locks on car doors;
• starters;
• electric motors for wiper blades;
• guide bushings on seats, ventilation hatches, as well as power windows;
• rubber elements of the wiper blades;
• end parts of car tires;
• disks on car wheels;
• rugs;
• bushings of stabilizers, pillows that fix the exhaust pipe, hoses of the cooling system, silent blocks, etc.;
• places on the car body where the paintwork has broken off, this helps prevent the formation of corrosion in the future;
• plastic bumpers of cars, if scratches began to appear on their surface;
• seat clips in the cabin;
• seat belts.

You can learn about the use of lubricants from the video filmed by the Autochemistry and autocosmetics channel in Kyrgyzstan.

Features of the choice of grease

When buying a product, you must be guided by the following criteria:

1. Price. Very cheap products usually cannot boast of good performance and high quality.
2. Availability. It is important that there is a store in the city where you live, where, if necessary, you can quickly buy the substance.
3. The main criterion is quality. We recommend purchasing lubricants only from trusted and certified stores. If the seller works without a license, it is possible that he will buy substandard and counterfeit products and pass them off as originals.
4. The type of lubricant. When choosing a type, you need to decide for what purposes the product will be used. For the treatment of hard-to-reach surfaces, you will need a spray product. In other cases, you can buy a paste or gel.
5. Pay attention to the technical specifications. They are indicated on the product label. Taking into account the technical properties and features, you can choose a quality product that is suitable for fulfilling your goals.
6. The manufacturer of the substance. The products described above have proven themselves in front of our compatriots. We recommend choosing lubricants from well-known brands so as not to purchase a low-quality substance.

You can learn about the use of the lubricant from the video filmed by the bushkraftell channel.

What can be replaced?

Silicone grease is a versatile product that does not make sense to replace with other substances. Motorists who, for some reason, cannot buy a lubricant in stores, face the issue of replacing the product. In such cases, instead of a silicone agent, you can use Litol-24.

How and with what to wash silicone grease?

To answer this question, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition of the product. If the lubricant accidentally spills on clothing or glass, do not try to wipe it off immediately. This will lead to the fact that the greasy stain on the surface will only increase. Depending on the composition of the substance, a solvent is selected that will help remove unwanted traces of liquid.

How can traces of silicone rubber seal be removed:

1. If the main element in the base of the substance is acid, then vinegar (70% solution) is required to neutralize traces. A clean cloth is moistened with vinegar, with which the contaminated surface is subsequently treated. After processing, you must wait at least half an hour. Then the acetic acid is wiped off with a rag.
2. If the product is alcohol based, an alcohol solution will be required to remove any traces of grease. It can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is allowed to use technical or denatured alcohol. In its absence, you can use vodka. Soak a rag in the solution, then wipe the surface with it until the hardened silicone is removed.
3. The base of the substance can be oximes, amides and amines. In such cases, gasoline, any alcohol-based solvents or white spirit can be used to remove traces of contamination. To remove the silicone, the place is processed, after which you have to wait half an hour. If you could not remove the dirt the first time, then repeat the procedure.

You can learn more about removing silicone from various surfaces, as well as clothes, from the video filmed by the Miss Clean channel.

If you are removing the grease with vinegar or acetone, wear rubber gloves. The use of acetone is not always allowed, it all depends on the composition. Be careful as this product can damage the paintwork on the car body. In some cases, glass cleaner and ammonia can effectively remove traces of silicone grease. If necessary, you can use a special tool "Antisilicon", but its use is not relevant for all types of lubricants. The best option is to go to a car wash. After listening to your problem, experts will select the optimal liquid for removing silicone stains or shampoo.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of silicone sealant grease:

1. Product versatility.
2. Safety from an environmental point of view.
3. Most of the products on the market are characterized by high quality and efficiency.
4. Affordable price for most consumers. It should be noted that the price range of silicone lubricants is quite large. Each consumer will be able to buy a product based on their financial capabilities.
5. A wide range of substances. You can purchase products specifically for rubber parts or plastic parts.
6. Water resistance of lubricants. Even when exposed to hot water, high-quality lubricants are not washed off.

The disadvantages are specific to certain types of lubricants. The main disadvantage for many products is the need for regular use. Lubricants often quickly lose their function after application, so the car owner has to periodically reuse them.