Rod seals are vital for maintaining efficient hydraulic systems as they prevent fluid leakage, whilst protecting it from dirt and other contaminants. Rod seals work with wiper seals to protect a hydraulic system against external contaminants such as dirt and outside weather conditions. Leakage through the rod seal can reduce equipment performance, and also in extreme cases can cause environmental issues. 

When pairing a rod seal with a wiper seal, attention should be paid to their compatibility for the best sealing performance. For example, an aggressive wiper can scrape off the microscopically thin film of oil that remains on the rod in microscopic surface imperfections during the return stroke, and if a less aggressive rod seal is used the system will leak.