How to Choose Car Floor Mats

A guide on automotive floor mats

People rarely spend time thinking about their car floor mat choice. However, if you consider the amount of dirt, mud, water, and debris you track into the car daily, maybe you should. When choosing a floor mat you want to not only get the style right but also get a mat that will give you good service.

What is a car mat?

The basics on car floor matting

Photo on autoaccessoriesgarage.com

Vehicle mats are part of the car’s interior decor. They are accessories that usually come with the car during purchase. But due to the surge in car leasing services and consequent sales of cars for this purpose, many cars nowadays are coming without them. They come in different shapes and materials, featuring spikes, grooves or caps to trap dirt and water.

Are all car mats universal?

When choosing a floor mat you want one that fits well so as to provide the maximum protection it can. So you have to wonder if all car mats come in a universal, one size fits all trim. The term universal refers to mats can fit many different cars while custom fit refers to mats designed to fit a specific chassis type.Some mat styles feature small, flexible spikes on the bottom to better grip the underlying carpet that comes preinstalled in the car. The more common way of securing these mats if through a system that hooks, clips or twists into an anchor point already placed in the car. These anchors are usually pre-installed by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) but some aftermarket custom fit mats also provide this feature.

Choosing A Car Floor Mat

Basic car floor mats types

When choosing a floor mat the most important factor to consider is the ability of the mat to catch dirt and trap wet particles. The lifespan of the mat is also an important factor. Keep off mats that are made of a thin material as they tend to wear faster, and become brittle after some time. Go for materials that are durable, strong, with a good ability to trap dirt and water and are easy to clean.

Photo on partcatalog.com

What are car floor mats made of?

Car mats serve as a means of keeping the car clean from dirt and other particles. Not having a floor mat can make the car’s interior deteriorate faster as some contaminants can cause corrosion or leave permanent marks that can be unsightly. Having place covers to protect the car interior is, therefore, a good idea.

What to consider when choosing a floor mat

  • Is it durable? The material you choose should be sturdy and still remain flexible enough to place in the car. It should be able to stand the wear and tear and the friction between the mat and your shoes.
  • The ability to trap moisture and dirt – The material chosen should be able to capture dirt and trap water to prevent it from soaking through. It should effectively trap dry particles like dirt or sand. Being waterproof is an added advantage.
  • It should be easy to clean – The material chosen should be relatively easy to clean. Stains and spills should also be easy to clean up and not require special cleaning materials or solutions.
  • Is it easy to install? When choosing a floor mat the ease in the installation is another factor to consider. It the material flexible enough to fit well and snugly into the tight spaces of the car floor?

Photo on paisturistico.com

Car Mat Materials 

Most common car floor mats materials

Rubber – These are the most popular type of car mat material. It is well suited for wet conditions because it can trap water and moisture and not let them seep through. They can be molded into designs that can better trap dirt and other particles because naturally, rubber has a smooth surface.Synthetic rubber mats are made of high tensile synthetic rubber fibers that can handle wear and tear well. They usually come in black or beige and are very advantageous for rainy weather. They are completely waterproof. Heavy-duty rubber floor mats can stand a lot of wear and abuse from weather conditions like rain. It is a low-cost investment that keeps the interior of your in good condition.Pros:

  • They can be easily cleaned and are low maintenance.
  • It can absorb impact.
  • It can reduce noise, this is dependent on the thickness.
  • A good insulator and can maintain various temperatures.
  • They are durable and can last a really long time. They also take damage well.
  • They can be molded with deep grooves to hold dirt, mud, slush, and water keeping them away from your shoes and clothing.

Cons:

  • They are not as visually pleasing as carpets and do not match the underlying carpeting that is pre-installed making the car interior look cheap.
  • They can sometimes be pricey especially if they are custom made to fit your car’s footwells. The thickness, quality, and style of the mat can also attribute to the high price.
  • It is prone to discoloration as some detergents and cleaning agents can stain the rubber matting. Grease can also cause unsightly stains if not removed immediately.
  • New rubber mats have a distinct smell that may be off-putting to some users.
  • Rubber mats lack variety as they are mainly available in texturized black, grey or tan.
  • With rubber mats, they need to be made slip-resistant to keep them in place in the footwells. They need to be texturized to help keep your heels in place.

Photo on themocracy.com

Carpet – Carpet mats are made of tough nylon or Berber fibers that help them stay durable while being comfortable and stylish. Carpets are more effective when it comes to trapping dirt and other foreign particles because of how they are made. The fibers catch dirt and hold it in place making them very reliable floor covers. Some carpet covers are also fitted with water absorbent backing to prevent water or moisture seeping through. They are in different thickness and sizes some aftermarket brands can customize them for you.

Pros:

  • They look great and are easily customized.
  • They are readily available and finding a style you are comfortable with is relatively easy.
  • They are relatively inexpensive and can last a long time if well maintained.
  • They keep your heels in place better than rubber especially when wet.

Cons:

  • They are hard to clean because dirt, dust, and debris tend to stick to the fibers, so it is hard to get these mats totally clean. They can be expensive to replace especially if you opt for OEM versions.
  • Transparent plastic
  • These types of mats are fairly new in the market. They are made of a highly durable clear plastic that is waterproof, heat resistant and can be easily placed. They are also visually pleasing as they add visual interest to the car’s interior.

Photo on walkerstudio.co.nz

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Polyvinyl Chloride is a synthetic plastic polymer used to make car mats. It is commonly used for full car matting just like wall to wall carpeting. PVC sheets are laid onto the floor cut and glued together so as to match the contours of the floor. The ends are then tucked into the side-wall so that no dirt, dust or water can get to the underlying carpet. PVC matting is available in ribbed black, grey, beige, and transparent.

Pros:

  • They are easy to clean
  • They are water, dirt, and dust proof.
  • It is lightweight and has good weather resistance.
  • It is fire resistant and has self-extinguishing properties because of its high chlorine content.
  • It is an economical choice available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and textures.

Cons:

  • Because they are not as malleable as carpets or rubber they often leave an uneven finish.
  • Since it requires to be glued down, these areas can open up exposing the carpet to dirt and water.
  • It gives a cheap-finish look to the car interior.
  • In order to properly fit PVC matting in a car, you will need to remove all the seats and gear console. This makes it very labor intensive. This also makes it difficult to replace and recycle.

Photo on floormatguys.com

Aluminum – These mats are made of aluminum metal. They are flat and are custom fitted. Aluminum is resistant to dirt and water cannot get through. It is very durable and will not tarnish, rust or fade. It is also very rigid so it will not bunch up under the pedals causing interference while driving. They are available in different powder color coat finishes.

Photo on autopreme.com

Luxury materials – These include leather and premium fabrics that are stitched onto rubber or plastic backing, to make them waterproof, with cushions for added comfort. Fabric mats mostly come in a universal trim making them easy to install. Mats made of leather are usually custom made. They are ideal for:

  • Their high resistance to wear, puncturing, flexing, and tear.
  • They are also good heat insulators as leather does not conduct heat.
  • Leather had a low permeability to water vapor that providing sufficient protection to the floor.
  • Leather can be treated to tanned and dressed to resist attacks from harmful chemicals.

How to fit a car floor mat

Tips on how to fix a car mat to the floor

Below are the steps to follow when fitting a car mat. 

Consider the Type of Car Mat Fit to Get

Most people go for standard fit mats, but if you are more selective about the interior of your car here are some more options to choose from:

  • Standard fit – these the least expensive and common type found. You can find them in any automobile accessories shop. Some standard fir mats are universal by the make of the car while others are universal by the car type and manufacturer.
  • Improved fit – they are similar to standard fit mats in the general sizing method used, but the materials and dimensions are designed in a way that allows for a more snug fit.
  • Car-specific mats – they are a little more expensive but are a good option for one looking for a high-quality commercially available mat. They are designed for specific make and model of a car, so they are an exact fit. These are usually found in car showrooms, dealerships, and automotive shops
  • Custom mats – they are the most expensive. You will need to locate a shop that has this service because they are not commercially available. You will need the specific measurements of the car or take your car in to be measured.

Decide on the Best Type of Car Mat to Get

Here type refers to the overall quality of the floor mat:

  • Standard mats are the most basic mats in the market. They provide good protection to the floor.
  • All-weather car mats are a lot more durable and stay in place.
  • Cargo liners are liquid-proof, they stay in place and are slightly more durable.
  • Carpeted mats fit well into your car’s footwells but only offer minimal protection from liquids.
  • Rubber mats are liquid proof and securely stay in place. They tend to crack if exposed to hot, sunny conditions.
  • Heavy duty mats are also liquid proof and fit securely in the car. They are thicker which adds an extra layer of protection.
  • Metallic car mats are liquid proof and very durable but slip a lot because they can not fit securely in the car.

Photo on esellerpro.com

Pay Special Attention to the Backing on the Car Mats

There are two types of backing:

  • Flat – these are generally coated with a non-skid coating to help prevent slipping. 
  • Gripper – these mats have nubs that help secure the mat in place. The downside is that these nubs can wear on the floor of your car.

Also, pay close attention to the type of rubber backing used as some are more affordable than others while others have special properties like being oil-resistant

Consider Some of the Aesthetic Details of the Car Mats

Branded, designer and sports mats feature logos and designs that can affect the style of your car’s interior. Colored mats are a simple way to customize and spruce up plain mats and the interior decor.

  • Using a tape measure, measure the distance between the door and the center divider for the driver and passenger seats. Only measure the floor space in between these two points. 
  • Next measure from the front to the back of the floor well. Note that the passenger side mat will be the longest and should cover all the flat floor space in front of the seat. The driver side mat will be shorter stopping short of the pedals.
  • Make sure to take note of any irregularities in the perimeter of the area
  • Finally, create a paper pattern with the measurement you have taken, cut it out and fit it into the car. Measure any alterations you might need to make.

Before putting in the new floor mats:

  • Remove the old mats and clean the car and the underlying carpet.
  • Clean the new mats. Even though they are fairly clean, you want to be sure no dirt or debris is being introduced into the car.
  • Next, determine where each mat goes. The front seat mats do not look like the back seat mats and also there are differences between the driver-side mat and the one on the passenger side.
  • Place the now dried mats into their rightful places and secure them to the anchors. Make sure the non-skid side is on the bottom and work around the carpet to place down the mat.
  • Finally, check the fit of the mat. Adjust it around the pedals to reduce any interference that may occur during driving. You can also move the seats around until the mat fits. 

Photo on daciagroup.com

How to maintain your car floor mats

Ways to clean your car floor mats

Irrespective of the material of the mat, to clean so you will have to remove it from the car so as to avoid water damage. First, you will have to vacuum the car interior to remove any loose dirt from the car interior and the mat. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the surface to absorb moisture and bad odors. Let it sit for about 10-20 minutes and then vacuum. Next, shake, pat or hits the mats to remove dirt that is stuck on. You can use a scraper to dislodge hardened residue.These are the basic steps that apply to all mats types.

Cleaning car rubber mats

Blast the dirty side of the mat with water from a hose to remove even more dirt. You can also use a bucket in the absence of a hose.Next, apply the soap or cleaning solution you are using. A solution of baking soda, laundry soap and water works well to remove dirt. If you do not have baking soda some liquid soap and water will do. Rinse off the mat with clean water after you are done the cleaning. Finally, dry the mats off well before returning them to the car.

Cleaning carpet and fabric car mats
  • Using baking soda – Dusting the mats with baking soda helps remove dirt and neutralize odors. You can also add baking soda to the bristles of a stiff brush while scrubbing the mat.
  • Using detergent powder and shampoo – A mixture of washing powder and shampoo can be used to clean car mats. Use in combination with a stiff brush to dislodge dirt. When you are done wash off the soap with clean water.
  • Using specialized cleaners – You can opt to clean the mats with specialized cleaning solutions. Spray them over the mats and wait 30 minutes and using a hand brush thoroughly work the cleaner into the mat.For a DIY cleaning solution, mix a bottle of hot water and vinegar each and spraying them onto the mat and scrub with a brush. This is ideal for removing salt stains. To remove chewing gum apply some salt and peanut butter to it and scrub to remove the remnants.
  • Using a steam cleaner – You can opt to use a steam cleaner or a power washer to clean floor mats. If you do not own a power cleaner you can have your mats washed at the carwash with one. Alternatively, use a washing machine with some detergent to wash after spraying it with stain remover.

Once you are done cleaning your mats you can choose to:Vacuum dry them using a vacuum to suck up the water and any remnant dirt particles.Use a dryer to dry them or let them air dry. You can spray clean fresh scents to damp mats before dying them to get that fresh scent when they dry. Hopefully, this post will come in handy when choosing and caring for your car floor mats.