Car mats, car mats in the interior

Car floor mats in the interior: types and their features

One of the important accessories for a car is car mats in the salon, which, although they seem like an unremarkable thing to some people, actually have an important meaning. This is a multitasking accessory. Its purchase definitely justifies the invested funds.

What tasks do car mats solve?

Car mats are an accessory that absolutely must be in every car. Due to the variety of color solutions and designs, they perform a decorative function, but also its most important tasks are to provide protection and practicality.

This accessory protects the main upholstery of the interior from various contaminants that get to it together with shoes. This is especially noticeable in the autumn period, when the rainy season intensifies, turning the roads into mudflows, and in winter, when snow drifts with the sole protectors, which begins to melt from the heat. However, in spring and summer, in dry weather, they also work, collecting dust, sand, rubble particles, which are still carried with the sole. Their irreplaceability can be observed at any time of the year, and even more so, outside city roads, in rural areas.

In terms of aesthetics, the presence of rugs allows you to keep the interior clean, become an accessory that supports the accents in the interior, add interesting and original notes to the design, creating a harmonious ensemble with other elements (for example, a steering wheel cover, etc.).

Types of mats for cars
Modern manufacturers of car accessories offer many options, so everyone will be able to choose the best option for themselves. These products are divided by type and materials of manufacture. If we talk about species, then the division goes into two large groups:

model;
Universal.
The first are the most popular. Their main feature and main advantage is that they are developed for a specific car model. Their sizes perfectly correspond to the places in the cabin for which the liners are intended (front, rear).

The second type is less common. Their feature is that it can be used for any car, regardless of brand. Many motorists prefer this type solely due to affordability (they are cheaper), but you need to understand that they cannot provide complete and ideal coverage, because the nuances of the interior are not taken into account in the production.

Materials for making car mats
An important point in choosing this accessory is the material of manufacture. Before making a decision, it is worth finding out what they are and what are the main features of each. Then the solution will be optimal.

1. When operating a car in rural areas and outside the city, rubber mats in the interior are considered as a suitable solution. They are chosen by those who go to the country, fishing, that is, to off-road places. Dirt can be easily washed off rubber coverings with just running water, which is very convenient and practical. The rubber versions can be made with sides with a textured pattern, thanks to which dirt and melt water remain on the mat, and do not flow onto the main covering of the cabin. If you take a rubber accessory, you should choose from a reliable manufacturer that offers a quality item made of material based on natural rubber.

2. Modern materials, which are varieties of synthetic polymers, are in high demand. They have become a great alternative to rubber, giving consumers more benefits. This group includes polyurethane, thermoelastoplast, thermopolyolefin and the like. According to their characteristics, they win many times over rubber, their advantages include:

increased strength;
excellent elasticity;
the ability to withstand high loads;
good flexibility;
increased resistance to temperature changes, and it can be from minus 60 to plus 80 degrees;
ease of care and practicality (they are simply rinsed with water, not requiring additional cleaning, do not absorb oil and dirt);
environmental friendliness;
absence of rubber smells in the cabin;
long service life.
3. Pile rugs are also actively used today. They are liked by car owners for a diverse palette of colors and interesting designs, thanks to which you can complement, decorate the interior of the salon, and make accents. These products very well absorb dirt and moisture that got inside the car together with shoes, but at the same time they require special care. They should be cleaned with a brush, washed with detergents, that is, just washing with water will not work, which is a minus. The choice of ready-made products is limited, more often supporters of this option have to order their tailoring individually.

How to choose car mats?
When thinking about how to choose a car mat, you should pay attention to several criteria:

desired type (model, universal);
manufacturing material;
producer;
features (anti-slip coating, presence of fasteners, etc.);
complete set
Usually, car mats are sold as ready-made sets. In the standard configuration, there can be 3, 4 or 5 items: two each - for the front and rear seats 

and, depending on the model, with connected rear halves. An additional unit can be a mat in the trunk, which is sold separately. Its purchase also pays off.

Questions of buyers
1) What brand of rugs are most in demand today?
There are many decent brands such as WeatherTech.

2) What is the best material for all-season mats?
Polyurethane, thermopolyolefin, HDTE are best suited.

3) Which mats to take: with sides or without?
Sides are guaranteed to retain moisture, and flat ones can allow water to spill beyond the limits, although many car owners are bothered by the presence of sides.