The Best Car Floor Mats to Protect Your Carpet
The carpet in your car has to endure a lot. It’s not just getting in and out, and everything you track in with you, but most of the wear and tear comes from shifting around as you drive. The abrasive grit in dust and dirt actually damages nylon fibers and makes it wear out faster, so installing a set of the best floor mats will also preserve the appearance and resale value of your car.
Wet carpets are a potential breeding ground for mold or mildew. If you’ve ever been in a car with a musty, slightly sweet smell, that’s what it is, and it’s almost impossible to get rid of, while also being a health hazard. Your car naturally has a range of bacteria in it, including Staphylococcus (staph), which is another good reason to use floor mats and keep the interior dry. Even if you have factory car mats, they’re often hard to take out, and hard to wash. A good fitted set will protect more, won’t get in the way of your driving, and comes out conveniently to clean.
There are many styles of floor mat for your vehicle, including deep solid rubber options that offer better mud and winter protection than your factory floor mats, carpeted ones with a waterproof backing that you can blast clean at a car wash or with a pressure washer, and clear ones that protect your carpet from dirt and your shoes. There are also all-weather floor car mats like those from WeatherTech and Husky, which have spent several years creating some of the most popular floor mats available today. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean those are the only brands you should consider. Below, you’ll find our picks of the best car floor mats available today, with details on what makes them different from the competition.
For more information on the best car floor mats, refer to our table of contents.
Table of contents
- 1: Editor's Pick: Husky Liners X-act Contour Floor Liners
- Promoted Product: BaseLayer Floor Mats
- 3: Most Innovative: 3D Kagu All-Weather Custom Fit Floor Liner
- 4. Best for Offroad: Rugged Ridge All Terrain Floor Liners
- 5. Best Trim to Fit: WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats
- 6. Best on a Budget: BDK Universal Fit Clear Rubber Floor Mats
- 7. Discount Bling: FH Group Trimmable ClimaProof Metallic Floor Mats
- 8. Intro-Tech Hexomat Floor Mats
- Everything You Need to Know About Car Floor Mats
- Should I Buy Floor Mats from the Dealer?
- What Features Should I Look for in a Floor Mat?
- How Do You Get the Smell Out of Rubber Car Mats?
- How to Clean Your Floor Mats
- How to Clean Fabric Floor Mats
- Recent Updates
- Q & A
1: Editor's Pick: Husky Liners X-act Contour Floor Liners
Husky came out ahead in our head-to-head with WeatherTech, and readers agreed: Commentors said that Huskys "are a softer material...and lay much better," are "easy to keep clean," and "I had absolutely no issues with it, and it fit perfectly and did not move." They particularly praised the larger size that covers more of the floor, stay-put knobs on the bottom, and pliable rubber construction that lays flat.
Husky calls those knobs Stay Put Cleats, and there are a lot of them that will grip into your factory carpets. These will probably not be a good choice if you have a bare floor. A raised edge fits very tightly along the door jamb and reaches up under seats to help keep dirt and water from escaping from the grooves. The X-act Contour is more or less equivalent to the WeatherTech Floorliner; and a more upscale Husky Weatherbeater model is available, which the company positions above the WeatherTech Floorliner HP.
Like the premium competition, Husky uses a laser measuring system for a custom fit. We've occasionally had problems with custom floor mats in standard transmission vehicles, which may not have been measured separately from automatic versions of the same model, so we'd suggest checking in on a vehicle-specific forum if that's you.
Pros | Made in USA, lifetime warranty, rubberized material lays down flat |
Cons | Smooth surface can be slippery, doesn't look as premium as WeatherTech |
Promoted Product: BaseLayer Floor Mats
BaseLayer puts an emphasis on safety, perfect fit, quality, and design with its floor mats. BaseLayer’s universal, durable all-weather mats are made in the USA and can be trimmed to fit most any car, SUV or pickup truck. BaseLayer floor mats and liners are manufactured with the best automotive grade Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) and Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), which result in odorless, latex-free, and 100% recyclable products. These mats won’t curl or slip and don’t require adhesives to keep them in place. They also are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
In addition to its trim-to-fit mats, BaseLayer also offers floor mats specifically for the Honda CR-V (2017-2022) and Ford F-150 (2015-2022) that require no trimming and fit perfectly right out of the box. These floor mats are available with three different accent colors.
If you’ve ever pulled a random set of floor mats off the rack at your local superstore, then you know a good fit is important. Even if you trim those flimsy rubber mats, they don’t always conform to the contours of your vehicle’s floor. Curled or wavy floor mats are not only frustrating to look at, but can be a danger to the driver and passengers as they can shift and fold, which could cause the accelerator to stick.
So, upgrade your universal mats with BaseLayer to protect your investment. And if you have a 2017 or newer Honda CR-V, or a 2015 or newer Ford F-150, rest assured you have an upgraded floor protection system that perfectly fits your vehicle. No more curling mats letting ice and snow build up and leaving a hardened salt residue behind after a long winter. No more straightening flimsy floor mats out after they’ve shifted and folded under your pedals. Just enjoy the comfort and style BaseLayer provides.
3: Most Innovative: 3D Kagu All-Weather Custom Fit Floor Liner
3d Mats' Kagu line missed our #1 position because of a three-year warranty, versus the lifetime warranty that WeatherTech and Husky offer, along with less accessible customer service. But when we calculated the average rating for 20 different 3D floor mats with almost 5,000 reviews they came out with a class-leading 92.7% positive average, which included some fitments with the highest overall rating in the category of 98%.
Designed to offer defense against stains on your carpet, 3D Kagu Floor Mats are custom made from thermoplastic for your vehicle’s floorboards, precisely cut with elevated edges to establish a debris containment zone. This ensures anything you track into your vehicle, from debris to sand and dirt, or even if you spill a drink, won’t spread all around the car.
Like many of the products that made it onto our list, there are a few color choices to match the style of your interior, whether you want something that complements or contrasts the rest of your cabin. As opposed to nibs that dig into carpet, the Kagu line has an anti-slip MAXspider backing that acts like velcro to hold it in place. You can purchase full kits or single rows based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Parent company 3D U Ace offers a thee-year warranty on floor mats. They do not have you to ship back defective mats, but instead require you destroy them. Many other companies have you ship defective items back at your expense. 3D has a local California phone number, email, and Facebook Messenger chat support options.
Pros | Inner layer for cushioning, upscale look and materials, three-year warranty, available for high-end new cars |
Cons | Expensive, surface is harder to clean than smooth options |
4. Best for Offroad: Rugged Ridge All Terrain Floor Liners
Off-roaders know they’ll eventually track a mess back into the cabin of their vehicle, which makes Rugged Ridge’s All Terrain Floor Liners an attractive option if you’re looking for protection against mud. Using state-of-the-art technology, these floor mats are manufactured with an accurate, customized fit for Jeep models all the way back to the CJ5 series, along with truck floor mats for some Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge/Ram, GMC, and Toyota models. There are also universal fit rectangular mats, which we recommend only for rear seats. For safety, car mats that you'll be using under the drivers' seat should always be custom fit, or at least lock into factory mat attachment points.
These mats feature a .375-inch deep tread, which is more than twice the height of a typical vacuum-formed floor mat. The auto-sealing floor hook fastening helps keep debris and dirt from getting through, while high perimeter walls give an expanded footprint for excellent spill containment and interior protection. There are also rolled and reinforced lips, which offer additional strength and a more finished look to the product. A nibbed underside helps restrict movement and cleaning these mats is as simple as a simple hose off. Some applications are available in black, gray, or tan, although many are black only. Tall sides have one drawback, which is that if your feet catch on them, they will start to curl in. That lets dirt accumulate between the liner and carpet, and could get in the way of using your pedals. We're not sure if that scenario is covered under warranty.
Rugged Ridge floor liners average an excellent 90% positive rating across products, with many thousands of reviews. They come with a limited lifetime warranty against defects, which only applies as long as the mats are in the Jeep in which they were originally installed. Rugged Ridge offers a US-based toll-free number for customer support, as well as a web form.
Pros | Aggressive tread, tall sides, durable thermoplastic elastomer, limited lifetime warranty |
Cons | Limited selection, thick sides can flop down over time |
5. Best Trim to Fit: WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats
Sometimes shopping for car floor mats can be difficult, especially since car interiors come in all shapes and sizes. While most reputable manufacturers do have application-specific floor mats, you might be searching high and low and still can’t find a quality option for your specific vehicle. That’s when you turn your attention to this recommendation from WeatherTech: it’s the company’s All-Weather Floor Mats but in a universal, trim-to-fit application.
Designed to offer protection against all the elements Mother Nature can throw at your interior, these universal mats are available in black, grey, and tan shades so you can match the rest of your interior’s color scheme. You’ll get unique left and right designs for the front mats and the company says they’re “made to fit virtually all vehicle flooring due to its unique shaping and Trim-to-Fit features.” The front mats are .625 inches thick and 19 by 27 inches, and can be trimmed down to 16 by 24 inches long. Rear two-piece mats are the same thickness and 18.5 by 17 inches long, and can be trimmed down to 16.5 inches wide by 15 inches long. You'll definitely want to try to measure to see if they will work for you.
If you do need to cut them, we've trimmed cut floor mats to fit in the past, and it can be a tedious process. The WeatherTech floor mats have modular cut-off sections that make it easier and help to reduce ragged edges and mistakes. You can cut them off a bit at a time until they fit.
The floor mats boast deeply sculpted channels to keep water, road salt, mud, sand, and other elements trapped. They’re also engineered to remain flexible whether it’s extremely hot or cold, while the protective, non-stick finish makes cleanup easy. Underneath the mats are anti-skid ridges, helping prevent shifting. These mats are made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) compound, an OEM-approved, virtually odorless latex-free material. That means they contain no harmful PVCs, cadmium, or lead and they’re even 100 percent recyclable.
WeatherTech floor mats are made in the USA and have a limited lifetime warranty. You do have to ship them back to the factory at your expense if you make a warranty claim. There is a US-based toll-free number (and tech support, if you need floor mat tech support), as well as email, a web form, and factory stores in Illinois and Colorado. The WeatherTech All-Weather floor mats have over 2,000 reviews and a very good 90% average positive rating.
Pros | Universal trim-to-fit application, high quality construction, three color options, no harmful PVCs |
Cons | Since they are universal, fitment won't be perfect, some trimming is involved for certain vehicles |
6. Best on a Budget: BDK Universal Fit Clear Rubber Floor Mats
Sometimes you just want a textured slab of vinyl to slap down. It doesn't need to look good (or like anything), it just needs to sit there and hold grime from your shoes. BDK's four-piece front and back, universal-fit clear vinyl (not rubber) mat set is all that, and only that.
They have the traditional pointy nibs on the bottom to keep them from sliding, and measure 27 x 18 inches in the front, and 18 x 16.5 inches in the back. It's a thick but flexible material, which you can trim with any larger pair of regular scissors. Vinyl mats can be slippery, so there are round dimples to help keep your feet from slipping, and grooves to trap dirt until you rinse them out.
Universal fit mats work well in most vehicles, but you'll definitely want to measure if you have something like a large truck, or small sporty car. Any floor mat with nibs on the bottom can rip up carpeting if it slides around, so getting a good fit is very important. You should check after using them for a week or two to make sure it isn't damaging anything.
BDK's model MT-8034-CL floor mats are eligible for Amazon's 30-day warranty, but BDK doesn't offer one of their own. They're also the manufacturer of licensed auto accessories for many other brands, including Warner Brother and CAT. They list an email and California-based phone number on their website, which we called several times, but we weren't able to talk to anyone. The floor mats have an excellent 92% positive rating and over 1,000 reviews.
Pros | Affordable all-weather protection, easy to trim, four-piece set |
Cons | Non-existent customer service and no warranty |
7. Discount Bling: FH Group Trimmable ClimaProof Metallic Floor Mats
If your footwells are dank pits of despair, dress them up with ClimaProof Metallic Floor Mats from FH Group. They come with inserts in black, red, gray, blue, and silver, with a metallic diamondplate pattern insert and anti-slip black heel sections. They're a semi-custom universal fit with trim lines to make it easier to cut with scissors.
The front set measures 28 x 18 inches, narrowing to 14.5 inches at the end; and the rear set is 18 x 18 inches with a 12.5 inch section to fit under the back of the front seat. The material appears to be rubber. The backing has a square raised grid with nubs to hold it in place.
As with all trim to fit mats, you should measure before buying them. Unlike a single-color mat, you might have to cut into the color section to make it fit. Both front and rear have a 1.5-inch black section on each side, so you can trim them up to three inches before cutting into the color. They're not subtle colors, either, as they're a bright metallic coating, which won't hold up to heavy use like dirty work boots.
If you need customer service for your floor mats, FH Group is based in New Jersey and has an 800- number, customer service email, and live chat on their website. We've called them in the past and got through to a person easily, although they seemed very surprised to be getting a call. There is a 30-day warranty on the floor mats, as well as Amazon's 30-day warranty for approved sellers. You can extend the warranty to 180 days with free product registration on the FH Group. It covers a one-time replacement of one piece of a set and shipping is extra. The mats have a good 85% positive rating and over 1,500 reviews.
Pros | Extremely bright, easy maintenance |
Cons | Colors are a coating and can peel off, not as secure or tight fitting as other mats |
8. Intro-Tech Hexomat Floor Mats
Featuring innovative honeycomb vaults, Intro-Tech’s Hexomat floor mats are designed to contain spills. Molded from a space-age rubber composite, these floor mats are both durable and flexible and the material resists cracking, fading, and deterioration. The non-skid, nib backing offers premium traction so the mats stay in place and won’t get in the way of the pedals.
According to most users, these floor mats do a great job at nearly covering the entire floor surface while fitting around pedals and seats. The material is thick and flexible, which helps it lie down flat and stay in place. Hexomat says that over 11,000 available patterns are available, but in practice, availability is hit or miss. You can get them for a 1996 Mercedes S-Class, 1966-'67 Chevy Chevelle, or 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 EXT, but not a Toyota Highlander. If you find one, they usually come in black, clear, gray, ivory, and tan to help you find something that fits your car’s interior.
Hexomat models with at least 100 reviews average an excellent 91%. Complaints are almost entirely about fit, which seems to vary randomly. When we called the toll-free number on Intro-Tech's site, we got the voicemail for the company vice-president in California, and a message with his personal cell phone number. We're not sure how useful that would be if you wanted to take advantage of their lifetime warranty, but they are also eligible for Amazon's 30-day warranty, which would be our first choice if we had a problem.
Intro-Tech also makes officially licensed products for General Motors.
Pros | Lifetime warranty, easy to install, thick and durable material |
Cons | No lip to hold in water, limited availability, might or might not fit well, unknown customer service |
Everything You Need to Know About Car Floor Mats
Photo credit: Milos jaksic via Shutterstock
Every season tracks all sorts of messes into your car, whether it’s rain in the spring or snow in the winter. Then there’s always the issue of drink spills and food crumbs, especially if you have kids in tow. So the main question is, are your floor mats capable of getting the job done of keeping your car’s carpets clean? Cleaning your car’s carpet is no easy task, and it becomes even harder if you have cheap or poorly fitting floor mats installed. Even worse, poor floor mats can slide around and get in the way of your pedals while you’re driving, potentially causing an accident. It's been a major problem in the past, and a loose-fitting car mat can be deadly.
This is why good quality floor mats are important, since the best floor mats are designed to stay in place while protecting your car’s carpets from all sorts of dirt, debris, grime, and more. As you may be able to tell, there is a huge variety of options for car floor mats and no matter your driving style or the weather conditions you endure, there’s likely a set designed for you and your vehicle. If not, some companies offer completely customized mats so you can get a set that fits your vehicle perfectly.
Should I Buy Floor Mats from the Dealer?
An official accessory like floor mats, whether you buy them with your car or later on, has the advantage of a guaranteed fit, and sometimes a warranty. However, some of the brands on our list are the same ones that make floor mats for manufacturers, so it's possible to get exactly the same product from them. You'll also likely be stuck with just one option for style or color if you buy them from the dealership.
You'll almost always pay less for a comparable product if you buy it yourself. There will also be far more choices for the kind of mat, styles, and colors. If you're buying a car new, make them throw in a set before you sign.
What Features Should I Look for in a Floor Mat?
In addition to style and fitment, there are a few more features you’ll want to pay attention to when shopping for floor mats.
Rims and Ridges
You’ll want to pay attention to the rims and ridges on certain floor mats, picking one that has high edges around the complete mat. Those edges will help prevent any sort of liquids from seeping into the carpet. In addition, some floor mats feature high grooves and ridges that are engineered to channel water from the backside of the pedals and away from your feet, into the catch basin.
Under the Mat
Often overlooked is the bottom of the floor mat. It’s important to check a specific floor mat’s locking system, to make sure it restricts the mat from sliding around and getting in the way of your driving. Ideally, the floor mat has a hook to lock it in place.
Thickness
It may be a minor aspect, but thicker floor mats can absorb more liquids and are more comfortable on your feet. But if you’re shopping for plastic or rubber mats, look for products with deep grooves that will keep your carpets clean.
How Do You Get the Smell Out of Rubber Car Mats?
Chemical smells aren't limited to rubber mats. Carpeted and other synthetic materials are prone to it as well, but you can't always predict which ones will have it. Sometimes the same mats from the same seller will have different odors, because it's largely dependent on how recently they were manufactured.
The smell tends to fade with time, and that's your first tool. Leaving your mats somewhere well ventilated but protected (like a garage, or even under a porch) for a few weeks will remove most odors. If you don't want to wait around while they season, a good scrubbing with a cleaner like dish detergent will help a lot in getting volatile chemicals out of the surface pores of synthetic materials. If you have durable rubber mats, taking them to a do-it-yourself car wash and blasting them with a hose will help a lot, too.
Hot temperatures will tend to bring out any lingering smell, so until it fades, you might want to leave your windows cracked open. There's little regulation of the rubber used in products like this, and a few low-quality rubbers can off-gas dangerous chemicals.
How to Clean Your Floor Mats
1. Whack or shake the mats to remove dust. It will shake out and break some of the muck that is ingrained in the cloth or rubber floor mats. Of course, you should do it outside. Give the mat a few whacks against a hard surface. This technique works for cloth and rubber mats. You may need a scraper to get rid of unyielding materials from the mat before cleaning it.
2. Drench the mat generously with water. You can use an electric pressure washer, but it is not necessary. You can always use a standard water hose.
3. Get your preferred eco-friendly, granule-based laundry detergent and spread it onto the total area of the mat. We recommend using eco-friendly detergent because the soapy water will be going down the curb and right into your favorite creek. You do not have to use the whole packet. Just use your common sense and sprinkle enough to cover most of the floor mat.
4. Scrub rigorously with a push broom. Also, for added control, put one foot on the edge of the mat to prevent it from moving. Brush in multiple directions to agitate all the stubborn contaminants from all the angles. If you do not have a push broom or a stiff brush, take your shoes and socks off. No, we don’t want you to run away from your problems, we just want you to scrub with your bare feet. Just be careful not to slip off the mat, and make sure not to rub your feet up against any hard, abrasive surface. Also, you’ll have the cleanest feet in your neighborhood.
5. Exhaustively rinse off the soap by starting on one corner of the mat and gradually pushing the soap across the mat. Repeat the process until all the soapy content runs clear.
6. Repeat the steps narrated above for the rest of your car floor mats.
How to Clean Fabric Floor Mats
If you have cloth floor mats, there are several ways to clean them depending on how dirty or stained they are.
Use Baking Soda
Rub baking soda rigorously onto the floor mats to remove stains and neutralize food, pet, and other unwanted odor from your mats.
You can also put some baking soda and water on a stiff scrub brush to give the mats a thorough cleaning.
Using Shampoo and Detergent Powder
You can use a stiff brush and a blend of shampoo and washing powder (two tablespoons each) to scour your mats clean.
You can also use a deck scrubber brush or a tightly-bristled hand brush to scrub and clean any grime from the mat.
Make sure to wash any soap off with clean water.
Using Carpet Cleaners
There are a variety of carpet cleaners available in the market that you can use to clean your floor mats.
Most upholstery or carpet cleaners can be sprayed on and left to be absorbed by the mat.
Use a hand brush to spread and scrub the cleaner into the mat.
You can also make yourself a cleaner by mixing a bottle of white vinegar and a bottle of hot water to spray onto the mats, followed by a good scrubbing.
The vinegar and water mixture is especially effective in getting rid of salt stains.
If you’re having to get rid of chewing gum on your floor mats, try a mix of peanut butter and salt on it before scrubbing.
Using s Steam Cleaning Vacuum
Much like your home carpet, you can use a power washer or steam cleaning vacuum to thorough clean your floor mats.
If you don’t have access to a power washer, you can may be able to use one at a car wash.
Using the Washing Machine
If your floor mats can be machined washed, you can always simply toss them into a washing machine with standard detergent. It is recommended to use a stain remover first if you have any stains that need to be removed.
Vacuum Dry
Once your mats have been cleaned, make sure you vacuum them again to dry up any remaining water and dirt particles.
If you’re using a car vacuum, make sure it’s a wet/dry vacuum so it doesn’t get damaged in the process.
Air Dry or Clothes Dryer
It’s extremely important that your floor mats are completely dried by using a dryer, vacuum, or by hanging, before they’re reinstalled into your vehicle.
A wet floor mat in your vehicle can leave a musky, damp, and unpleasant smell.
If you want, you can sprinkle some fresh scent on the floor mats prior to drying, giving them a fresh smell.
If you’re using a dryer to dry your floor mat, make sure any excessive fur on the mats has been removed, and don't dry them on a hot cycle.
Recent Updates
November 23, 2022: Added Husky Liner as Editor's Pick, updated photography, descriptions, and links. Removed Smartliner, Armor All, and C.P.R. from recommendations.
February 8, 2022: Updated information and link for Hexomat and SMARTLINER. Updated information and link and moved MAXspider brand up to #2 based on average ratings. Removed Lund brand due to safety concerns with mats sliding while driving. Removed unavailable Michelin brand. Added Armor All Rubber Floor Mats and C.P.R. Carpet Car Floor Mats to recommendations. Added and expanded FAQ sections.
February 7, 2022: Removed unavailable Kraco brand, replaced with BDK Floor Mats. Removed OxGord brand due to low ratings, added FH Group Floor Mats.
February 3, 2022: Added additional information about Rugged Ridge Floor Liners.
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Photo credit: Gargantiopa / Shutterstock.com
Q & A
What are floor mats?
A floor mat is a carpet protection accessory and is mostly made of carpeting matter to match your car's floor covering. Moreover, many are made of long-lasting plastic or rubber to withstand the wear and tear, and to brush off dirt, snow, and water to shield the interior. You can easily detach them for cleaning and replacement.
How should I clean the floor mats?
If you purchase any of the credible options stated above, you’d be getting years of cozy satisfaction with minimal regular care. You can keep your mats in top condition by regularly vacuuming them. Also, depending on the design and material, you can clean them using soap and water. However, it is better to consult the product manual before applying any generic detergent to avoid any color disfiguration. Lastly, do not wash them in a washing machine, as it may damage them severely.
Will my custom mats be identical to OEM mats?
Yes and no. Almost all the renowned floor mat makers design their mats to fit exactly on the floor surface of your particular make and model. These mats are ultra-similar in shape and size to the original mats, but few of the more advanced designers make changes to optimize floor coverage, minimize pedal interference and strengthen production efficiency.
How do I know if a floor mat is suitable for my vehicle?
The digital convenience of 2018 enables you to inspect your desired product online to ensure its compatibility with your car. Also, you can call the manufacturer’s helpline directly if their website hasn’t cleared your ambiguity. Lastly, if you are unsure about the make, model, and year of your automobile, consult the user manual.
What is "virgin vinyl" and why does it matter?
Virgin vinyl is a 1st-Gen material created with no reconditioned additives or chemicals. Actually, a huge share of vinyl-based products is engineered with old vinyl, which is broken down and re-used by the manufacturer to cut costs. It results in reduced quality and can emanate an unpleasant smell, and the material will break down frequently. Therefore, when you use a product made out of 100% virgin vinyl, you get a floor mat that is clean, clear, and virtually indestructible.
What are the benefits of having floor and trunk/cargo mats?
A high-quality customized floor mat has the ability to splendidly enhance your car's interior. Therefore, adding new mats is a pocket-friendly way to elevate the appearance of your machine on wheels, besides having an added comfort. Moreover, they safeguard your automobile’s interior from debris and everyday wear and tear, thereby preserving the value of your car. Lastly, the driver’s side floor mats protect the shoes by absorbing dirt and moisture.
Why are cargo and trunk mats important?
The cargo and trunk mats are a budgeted way to elevate your car's appearance. They provide added design and protection when you need it the most. This is because they shield your automobile's interior from heavy loads, dirt, and every day wears, thereby safeguarding it against aging quickly. A premium quality floor mat takes the worry of transporting pets and kids off your shoulders.
What is a grommet?
Grommets are plastic or metal posts that are typically found in a car’s floor carpet. It is a fastening mechanism that ensures that a mat is in its place, and is anywhere from a ¼” (0.64cm) to 1” (2.54cm) long. You will most probably find these grommet posts at the bottom end of your floor mats. Also, occasionally, they only appear on one or some of the front mats.
What is a customized fit floor mat?
A customized fit floor mat is designed to conform precisely to your vehicle's floor contour and specifications. Also, such floor mats may or may not be same as the OEM mats depending on the manufacturer.
What is a laser-cut floor mat and do I need one?
Laser-cut floor mats are laser measured to safeguard the front, back and even the upper sides of your car's footwell. The advanced process measures each individual model and make’s floorboard to design the perfect fit that matches the contours of your vehicle. The product is engineered with sophisticated surfacing which keeps debris and spilled fluids away from your clothing and shoes. Moreover, reputed brands such as Weathertech and Husky use high-density core materials for ultimate dependability and strength. According to seasoned auto-detailers, digital laser measurements of vehicle’s interior surfaces provide a systematically perfect fit. Therefore, if a standardized floor mat does not get the job done for your vehicle, go for laser!
How do I spot a bad floor mat?
The majority of companies make generic floor mats engineered for universal fit, which offers as much long-term durability as a paper grocery bag. They are priced around $10 each, and at best offer an average protection against spillages and wear and tear. Also, despite having undersurface grip, these mats are prone to slip around, thereby causing your feet and driving a slight but persistent irritation.
What's the difference between floor liners and floor mats?
Most of us use the terms floor liners and floor mats interchangeably, without realizing that there is a noteworthy difference between them. A floor mat is engineered with deep pockets, ridges, and channels and lays flat along the car floors. It can hold up to eight standard cups of liquid, thereby covering your accidental spill. Rubber floor mats are ideal if you have a young family prone to a lot of spilling. A floor liner has tall outer edges that splendidly contour to the sides of the vehicle’s floorboards. Moreover, it comes stocked with nibbed backing, which makes sure that irrespective of the passengers’ movement, your floor liner doesn’t move an inch. It’s the perfect defense against work-boots.
After completing a degree project in automotive design, Dave wrote and photographed for almost a decade in print car magazines (remember those?), before transitioning to digital. He now subjects a series of old high-performance cars to the roads and weather in Vermont and wonders why they're always expensively broken. Please stop when you see him crawling under one on the side of the road.
More by David Traver Adolphus
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