Tips for Choosing the Right Mat for Cars
The mats are essential in any vehicle because they protect the car floor from any type of spillage of liquids, dirt, dust, mud and the like. In addition, they provide us with better support for our feet every time we drive. But just like other parts of the car, the mats are subject to damage precisely because they are heavily exposed to dirt, dust and other elements. Fortunately, damage to the mats can be reduced by choosing the best material for the mat. Finding the best floor mat for your vehicle is an easier task than it seems. What you need to do is to determine some specific factors that can help you choose the best mat for your car whether it is carpet or one of the many rubber car mats.
Rubber or Carpet Car Mats?
Let’s start with the latter. Carpet mats are usually quilted and are made of durable material such as nylon, polypropylene and other synthetic fibers. Carpet mats usually also come with a non-slip rubber backing to ensure that they stay securely in place where they have been placed. The good thing about carpeted floor mats is that they can be customized to your liking.
They offer vehicle owners many options in terms of style and design (sometimes too much). Personalization, more than the quality material, is the variable that makes the price range that this type of mats occupy on the market fluctuate so much. The only drawback of using carpeted mats is the large accumulation of dirt over time. It is always about the possibility of customization and design, considering that different textures and synthetic materials tend to act as a magnet for dirt and bacteria. This feature is also the cause of faster wear of this type of floor mats unlike rubber car mats.
However, carpet mats are best for vehicles that are not used frequently. If your interior is always clean, carpet rugs are perfect: for those interested in aesthetics they will certainly have more choice and more alternatives in terms of design.
The rubber car mats, on the other hand, are made of flexible and resistant rubber. One advantage of rubber car mats over other types is that they are easy to clean and keep healthy in the long run. They are resistant and durable thanks to the properties of the rubber. Also, not to be underestimated, rubber car mats have deep grooves on the surface that make them resistant to weather and water, collecting it and allowing it to be emptied away easily.
Unlike carpeted car mats, rubber car mats have limited design and color options that may not blend well with your vehicle’s interior. And while they are weather and water resistant, the rubber mats hold up well in extreme heat. Exposing them to the sun for a long time will create tiny cracks and crevices on the surface, causing breakage in the long run. Some poor quality rubber car mats can also become slippery when wet.
Rubber car mats are recommended for vehicles that are always used when hiking outdoors. If you have passengers prone to toppling and throwing objects, rubber mats are for you too.
The Latest Alternative to Rubber Car Mats: Vinyl.
Vinyl mats are made of synthetic plastic. These items also have a wide range of design alternatives, colors and styles available. They are also resistant to chemicals and good at absorbing moisture. Overall, vinyl floor mats can be a great alternative to rubber car mats as they are cheaper. Just like any material, vinyl also has its weaknesses. Vinyl mats are less durable than rubber car mats. They are also prone to cracking, curling and warping, especially if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold.
All the properties of carpet, rubber and vinyl have been discussed so that you have the choice for yourself. Carefully evaluate safety, strength, durability and design (because even the eye wants its part) and choose the one that, according to your needs, is the most suitable for you.
