Rain Channel windshield gasket?????

I had to have my windshield replace on my 2013 DCSB 4X4 due to a rock chip/crack. Safelite installed a new OEM windshield, but used a gasket with an extra rain channel down the sides. The OEM gasket lays flat while the "RC" has an extra raised edge that channels water from, I expect, the wipers.

Is this odd or is it a desirable item to have? I cannot think why I would even want a rain channel along each side of the windshield. My concern is that over time that raised edge might dry out, become brittle and chip away.

Safelite offered to replace with an OEM gasket if I want. Thoughts?

 

Safelight installs a huge number of windshields, so I bet they've installed a lot of those gaskets and haven't had any reliability issues. Safelight might even be able to tell you how many. Have you driven it on the highway to see if the gasket created any additional noise? Windshield gasket noise has been a problem in Tacoma's but usually a new windshield gasket properly installed fixes the problem. I would guess that the rc attempts to keep rain or wiper fluid from blowing off the windshield onto the side windows. Maybe keeps them cleaner in the winter in the northern states, but that probably doesn't matter to you.

 

Post a picture as I would like to see it.

Thanks

 

Yes I have the same thing on mine as well and thought it was odd looking...I had even thought of taking a razor blade and cutting that raised area flush, but I figured I'd prob just either cut my self lol or screw it up, so I left it alone, and it has not bothered me, I've had have no issues with it...

 

Here is couple pics of mine

 

loydbraun, that's what I have.

The gasket with the rain channels.



The original style gasket on my Dad's 2013.

 

I liked the factory flat seal better than these that have the rain channel, but I figure if I ever need another windshield I'll ask for the flat ones... So far I've gotten used to these fugly one lol.... As long as it works I guess that's all that matters ...

 

I had my windshield replaced and now I have the rain channel as well. It works great in keeping a lot of water off of the side windows and instead channels it up and over the roof. Makes a difference when going through a rain storm with the windows cracked.

 

i've got the safelite gasket as well. quite frankly, i didn't notice any difference.