Carpeted vs Rubber Car Floor Mats | Complete Guide

Floor mats are often overlooked, probably because they sit on the car floor, where you won’t be looking 95% of the time. However, their function cannot be overstated. Floor mats act as a protection device for your car, keeping the actual floor free from damage and wear. This keeps the car looking and feeling nice, and also helps the vehicle’s resale value. Car floor mats usually come in two types; carpet and rubber. Your vehicle will come with one of the two, but you can also get aftermarket mats. The primary question, however, is which one should you pick?

What types of floor mats do you have in your car? Do they serve a practical purpose while being both durable and aesthetically pleasing? Unfortunately, most individuals don’t stop to think about the quality of floor mats they get for their vehicles. They seem to forget that quality is imperative in regard to effective floor mats. Purchasing the right quality is vital as it ensures your vehicle floor is protected from wear, dirt, moisture, debris, and other substances that may cause damage. That said, here are some of the reasons you should always do your homework to ascertain you get top-of-the-line floor mats.

1. Durable

High-quality car floor mats are made of top-of-the-line materials. This allows them to last long enough to provide value for money. A common feature with ideal car mats is that they are made of flexible materials, allowing them to withstand the constant rubbing from shoes and any other external force.

2. Trapping Dirt and Debris

One of the reasons to have car mats is to protect the floor from exposure to dirt and moisture, which, over time, can result in damage. If the mats you find do not help trap and do away with moisture and dirt, then they are not practical.

3. Cost-effective

Some car owners opt to get cheap floor mats with the aim to save money. If you are one of them, then it’s time to accept that that’s not the best decision. Cheap almost always ends up being expensive. Simply imagine a scenario where you are forced to purchase car mats after every few months. This not only ends up in you spending more money and wasting time, but it can also be detrimental to your car floor if the mats don’t do the job right.

4. Easy to Clean

As the old adage goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. A clean car is not only appealing but also comfortable when you’re driving alone or with friends and loved ones. However, it can be hard to keep your car clean if you don’t have the right mats. Whether you decide to settle for rubber or carpeted car mats, it is important to ensure you get the right quality and a design that fits your car, both practically and aesthetically. This calls for making the right measurements and doing research on the quality of material used to make the mats you are considering.

Reasons to Pick Carpet Floor Mats

Carpet floor mats are usually made of Berber or tough nylon. This helps in durability whole providing style and comfort. They come in varying sizes and thicknesses and some aftermarket types will even allow you to customize them. In order to decide whether or not carpet floor mats are the right option for your car, it is best to look at both the pros and the cons.

The Pros of Carpeted Floor Mats

Carpet mats have an aesthetic appeal and can be easily styled or customized to match your tastes according to Mr Car Mats. Finding mats that have the logos, colors, and texture you want is a walk in the park. You can find a set of mats with your favorite car brand or sports team logo, or even have them customized. They are also very affordable, meaning you get to save money. They keep heels in place better than rubber, particularly when wet. Also, if you take proper care of carpeted mats, they are bound to last for a long time.

The Cons of Carpeted Floor Mats

Unfortunately, carpeted mats are made of fabrics that wear over time. Yes, there are ways to reduce this, but ultimately, they will wear out. Also, carpet mats are harder to clean. The dust, debris, and dust that sticks to them make it hard to clean the mats completely. Also, these types of mats can be costly to replace, particularly if you bought the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions.

Reasons to Choose Rubber Floor Mats

Rubber floor mats are often designed from a heavy rubberized material that is made to protect against the elements. Just like the carpet type, you will come across a wide array of styles and textures. Some brands have custom-cut floor mats, meaning they can fit in your vehicle perfectly. However, this can be a bit costly, but if you want to lend your car interior a nice look and feel, they are usually worth it.

The Pros of Rubber Floor Mats

The primary benefit of rubber floor mats, other than providing protection, is that they are particularly easy to clean. It does not matter whether you track a bunch of mud into your car, or spill a cup of tea. Clean-up is as easy as taking out the mat and spraying it with a garden hose. Rubber floor mats are also durable. With the right set, these mats can easily last as long as the car and while they might get damaged over time, the impact will be minute. Ideally, if you buy all-weather rubber mats, they feature deep grooves that hold water, dirt, slush, etc.

The Cons of Rubber Mats

Compared to carpeted mats, rubber floor mats are not as aesthetically pleasing. They do not match the carpeted floor of the vehicle in most situations and they usually make the interior look cheaper than it really is. Also, rubber mats can get costly, particularly if they are custom designed or cut to match your car’s interior. Most aftermarket brands sell laser-cut rubber mats and these come at a relatively high cost. Also, there are not too many styles to pick from and if you do your homework, you will quickly realize that most rubber mats are made of texturized black rubber. In addition, they tend to become slippery when wet, thus compromising heel traction.

Rubber or Carpeted- Which Floor Mats Should You Pick?

Well, it all boils down to personal tastes and preferences. However, if you want a set of mats that will provide the best form of protection and still look good, then you should settle for rubber mats. They are more durable and offer better protection against the elements. If you do not like the look and feel of rubber floor mats, the carpeted type still provides a good amount of protection. Just ensure that what you pick is both practical and complements your car’s interior.