Symptoms
- Whistling or rushing sound from a specific door area at speed
- Noise increases with speed and may change with side winds
- No noise at low speeds or when parked
- Door otherwise closes and locks normally
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or compressed door weatherstrippingRubber seals flatten and lose their sealing ability over years of door use and sun exposure.
- CommonDoor not closing fully flushA slightly misaligned door won't compress the seal evenly all the way around.
- PossibleWeatherstripping partially detached or twistedA seal that's popped out of its channel in one spot creates a gap for air to rush through.
- Less commonMissing or damaged trim/molding near the mirror or door edgeSome wind noise sources are trim pieces rather than the door seal itself.
What to do
- Run your hand along the door seal while it's closed to feel for any flat, torn, or gapped sections.
- Do a simple test: with the door closed, try to slide a piece of paper along the seal; it should grip evenly all the way around without slipping out easily anywhere.
- Check that the door closes flush with the body and isn't sitting slightly open or misaligned.
- Reseat any section of weatherstripping that looks like it's popped out of its channel.
- Replace the weatherstripping if it's uniformly worn, flattened, or cracked.
- Have a shop check door alignment if the seal looks fine but the door itself seems to sit slightly off.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Sheet of paper (for the seal test)
Door weatherstripping sealSearch: “door weatherstrip seal for [year make model]”
When to call a pro
A shop can check door alignment and seal fit more precisely if a straightforward weatherstrip replacement doesn't fix the noise.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.