1993-99  Impreza's and 1995-1999 Legacy's 

Hey guys.... just curious, is the rubber trim (that is pushed on the rear wheel, arch lip), is a significant cause of, or risk for rust formation?  I have 3 of these cars and all are TX cars with no rust. 2 of these have been relocated to Pennsylvania for occasional use and will not be driven much in winter conditions. (I want to prevent this rear and I'm starting with knowledge and a rust free car). I see these same cars in PA with the typical rear rust and it's just sad!  I know about the rear shock tower plate that rusts and allows water in, but I was wondering about the rubber trim. Should it be removed?

I leave it.  LIved in Wisconsin for awhile.

It's important to periodically get up in the wheelwell and clean off the lip.  When I do that I pull the rubber off and clean it completely.  Then push the rubber back on.

Keeping road dust and salt from building up is the biggest factor.

SUBARU3,

You want to get the cars oiled in those states where they use salt on the winter roads. And yes, those rubber push on sleeves just hold the water and salt in. Either oil the cars or after cleaning that pinched seal and ensuring its absolutely dry, fill that rubber sleeve with silicone seal and push it back into place to ensure no water or salt can get trapped behind it. Been there, ... done that.