Door glass seal on ŠKODA Octavia Tour - a detail that often goes unnoticed until it starts to cause problems. Over time, rubber loses its elasticity, cracks or moves away from the body, which leads to squeaks, leaks and even corrosion of the doorway. This problem is especially relevant for model owners 2013–2020 (facelift and pre-facelift), where factory seals do not always withstand Russian frosts and reagents.
In this article we will look at how choose the right seal (original vs analogues), what tools will be needed for replacement, and why you shouldn’t skimp on quality. We'll also talk about hidden problem in Octavia Tour with rear door seals - many owners are faced with the fact that water accumulates at the bottom of the door, although the defect is not visible from the outside. If you notice condensation on the windows or an unpleasant odor in the interior, the problem may lie here.
Signs of wear on the door glass seal
The first symptoms of a seal failure are often attributed to “little things,” but it is dangerous to ignore them. Here are the key signals that it’s time to check the condition of the rubber elements:
- 🔊 Creaks and extraneous sounds when opening/closing a door - a sign that the seal is rubbing against glass or metal.
- 💧 Moisture on windows or carpets after rain or washing, water seeps through microcracks.
- 🌬️ Drafts in the cabin at speeds over 80 km/h, even with the windows closed.
- 🚪 Door closing tight — the seal could “blur” from the heat or, conversely, harden in the cold.
Particular attention should be paid rear doors Octavia Tour. Due to the design features (the corners of the seal are sharper here), the rubber wears out 20–30% faster than on the front ones. If you notice that water remains in the back door for a long time after washing, this is a direct reason for diagnosis.
⚠️ Attention: On models Octavia Tour Models from 2017 to 2019 may have a factory assembly defect - the rear door seal on the hinge side may be installed askew. This leads to uneven wear and leaks after 2–3 years of operation.
Original vs analogues: what to choose for ŠKODA Octavia Tour
When choosing a seal, owners are faced with a dilemma: take an original part from ŠKODA (article 3U5 837 715/716 for front doors and 3U5 837 717/718 for the rear) or an analogue from third-party manufacturers. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.
| Seal type | Pros | Cons | Average price (per set for 1 door) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original ŠKODA |
|
|
3 500–4 800 ₽ |
| Analogs (Heko, Duraflex) |
|
|
1 200–2 500 ₽ |
| Universal (meter) |
|
|
500–1 500 ₽ |
For Octavia Tour with the system comfortable door closing (optional 3U5) it is recommended to use only original seals. The fact is that analogues may have a different rigidity, which is why the mechanism will not work correctly (the door either will not close the first time, or, conversely, will slam too sharply).
- Only original
- High-quality analogue (Heko, Duraflex)
- Universal (economy option)
- Haven't changed it yet
Tools and preparation for replacement
Replacing the door glass seal with ŠKODA Octavia Tour does not require special skills, but without the right tools you can damage both the rubber itself and the door fastenings. Here's what you'll need:
- 🔧 Plastic mounting blades (2–3 pcs.) - for carefully removing the old seal.
- 🧴 Silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray) - for processing the new seal before installation.
- 🧼 Rubber cleaner (or isopropyl alcohol) - to remove old glue and dirt.
- 📏 Ruler or caliper — to check the thickness of the seal in critical places (corners, joints).
- 🔨 Flat head screwdriver — for prying off the clips (if the seal is attached to the latches).
Before starting work necessarily remove the negative terminal from the battery - this will prevent accidental operation of the window regulator. Also recommended disable automatic door closing feature (if available) through the on-board computer menu (Settings → Comfort → Door lock → Off).
☑️ Preparing to replace the seal
⚠️ Attention: On Octavia Tour with electric windows, before removing the seal it is necessary lock the window lifter. To do this, after disconnecting the battery, press and hold the window down button for 10 seconds - this will reset the end of travel settings.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the seal
The process of replacing the seal on the front and rear doors Octavia Tour similar, but there are nuances. Let's consider a universal algorithm taking into account the features of the model:
-
Removing the old seal. Start at the top corner of the door - carefully pry the rubber band with a plastic spatula and pull down. On Octavia Tour The seal is attached to the groove, so there is no need to apply much effort. If the rubber gets stuck, spray it with silicone spray and wait 5-10 minutes.
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Cleaning the groove. Remove old adhesive residue and dirt using isopropyl alcohol. Please note door corners — sand often accumulates here, which can damage the new seal.
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Installing a new seal. Start at the top corner, gently pressing the elastic into the groove. On Octavia Tour it is critical to correctly position the seal in the area
glass stopper(metal stop). If the rubber lies unevenly here, the glass will touch it when moving.How to check if the installation is correct?
After installation, close the door and listen - if you hear a uniform “pop” without squeaks, the seal is installed correctly. If the sound is intermittent, check the corners and joints.
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Silicone treatment. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the inside of the seal - this will extend its service life and prevent it from freezing to the glass in winter.
For rear doors Octavia Tour there is an additional nuance: the seal here is often attached not only to the groove, but also to two clips (at the bottom). They are easy to break, so use a flat-head screwdriver and pry the clips directly perpendicular to the door.
If the seal does not want to fit into the groove, slightly heat it with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 60°C). The rubber will become more elastic and installation will be easier.
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing seals with ŠKODA Octavia Tour. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- 🔄 Incorrect installation sequence. Many people start installing the seal from the bottom corner, but Octavia Tour start correctly from above - this makes it easier to control the rubber tension.
- 🧩 Ignoring clips. On rear doors, people often forget about the two plastic clips at the bottom. If they are not fixed, the seal will “walk” and quickly wear off.
- 🧴 Excess silicone grease. If you apply too much spray, the rubber will become slippery and the glass will “slip” when closing, leading to leaks.
- ❄️ Replacement in cold weather. At temperatures below +10°C, rubber loses its elasticity. If you have to work in winter, pre-heat the seal in a warm room.
Another common problem is distortion of the seal in the area of the window lifter. On Octavia Tour with electric windows, the rubber can be chewed by the mechanism if it is not placed correctly in the groove. To avoid this, before final committing Lower and raise the glass several times., checking whether it catches the seal.
On Octavia Tour models with a panoramic roof, door seals wear out 30% faster due to increased load (pressure difference when opening the hatch). In this case, it is recommended to change the tires every 3 years, even if outwardly they look normal.
How to extend the life of a seal: prevention and care
The service life of the door glass seal is ŠKODA Octavia Tour can be increased by 1.5–2 times if you follow simple care rules. Here's what really works:
- 🧴 Regular processing. Apply to sealant every 3 months silicone grease (not to be confused with WD-40!). It prevents the rubber from drying out and protects against UV rays.
- 🚿 Proper washing. When washing your car, avoid directing a high-pressure stream of water directly at the seals. It is better to wash them by hand with a soft sponge.
- ❄️ Winter protection. Treat seals before frost glycerin (sold at the pharmacy) - this will prevent freezing to the body.
- 🔧 Control of fastenings. Once a year, check to see if the clips at the bottom of the seal have come loose (especially on the rear doors).
If you often park in open sun, consider installing protective covers for seals (for example, from WeatherTech). They are not cheap (from 2,000 rubles per set), but they pay for themselves by increasing the service life of the rubber by 2–3 times.
⚠️ Attention: Never use to lubricate seals. Vaseline or vegetable oil. These substances destroy the rubber structure, causing it to crack within a few months.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about seals ŠKODA Octavia Tour
Is it possible to restore an old seal without buying a new one?
Partially yes. If the rubber is not torn, but has lost its elasticity, it can be treated special conditioner for rubber (for example, Sonax Gummi Pflege). However, this is a temporary solution - after 6-12 months the seal will still have to be changed.
Suitable for cracks up to 2 mm liquid rubber (for example, Loctite 5900), but such repairs do not guarantee tightness.
Which seal is better for the 2018 Octavia Tour - the original or the Heko?
For Octavia Tour 2018 (facelift) original seal (3U5 837 715) is preferable if:
- You have the option installed keyless entry (the seal affects the operation of the antenna in the handle).
- The car is used in a region with frosts below -25°C (the original tolerates low temperatures better).
Analogue Heko suitable if you are ready to cut it to length and don’t mind softer rubber (it holds its shape worse at speeds above 120 km/h).
Why did the door begin to close with a bang after replacing the seal?
This is a typical problem if:
- The seal is installed with excess tension (especially in corners).
- Used too much hard analogue (for example, from Duraflex series
Premium). - Not lubricated seal groove before installation.
Solution: Loosen the rubber at the top corner or spray it with silicone spray.
How long does it take to replace a seal on one door?
If you have experience - 30–40 minutes. If this is your first time, allow 1.5–2 hours (especially for the back door, where there are more fasteners).
Tip: remove the door card in advance - this will speed up the process by 20-30 minutes.
Is it possible to drive without a door glass seal?
Technically yes, but this will lead to:
- Rapid wear window lift mechanism (dust and moisture get inside the door).
- Corrosion bottom of the door (Water will accumulate in the drainage holes).
- Increased background noise inside the cabin at speeds over 60 km/h.
If the seal is damaged, but there is no new one yet, temporarily seal the gap masking tape (no more than 2 weeks!).