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While forking out for new floor mats is probably the least exciting thing to buy for your new car, they'll cost a fraction of what it will to replace stained, tattered old carpet. By protecting the floor of your car, when it comes time to sell or even scrap the machine, you’ll increase the value - making them a pretty decent investment.
When shopping for new floor mats online, there are some points that are worth considering before you hit the add to cart button. In this article, we’ll discuss materials, backings and more to help you find the right ones for your car. From there, we’ll go on to share the ranking of our favourite rubber and carpet car mats on Amazon and eBay UK!
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Table of Contents
When it comes to choosing a car mat, it can be tempting to grab the first one that you lay your eyes on. However, with a little more consideration, you’ll be able to find a set that not only looks good, but fits your car perfectly.
The most important decision you’ll make when it comes to choosing a car mat is the material it's made from. In general, car floor mats will be primarily made from either rubber or carpet. Here we'll take a look at each individually, so you can weigh up the pros and cons.
Carpet floor mats are often the standard choice that come with the car, as they offer a nice plush feel underfoot. They tend to look a little more stylish than rubber mats, especially if you choose one with an attractive trim.
However, they’re much more prone to wear and staining. Plus, they'll require extra care to keep clean when compared to rubber. This can cause smells to become trapped within the fibres, which can become quite unpleasant over time.
Rubber, on the other hand, is more durable, water-resistant and easier to clean. They'll stand up better against various weather conditions, which is ideal if you like to get and about in nature, or get caught in a sudden downpour.
The downside is that rubber doesn't feel as cosy or luxurious, which can take away some of the pleasure of driving. Also, some rubbers used can have a particularly strong synthetic smell when new, which isn't the nicest thing to deal with on the way to work in the morning.
You'll need to make sure that your new mat isn't going to slide around on the floor of your car, especially in the drivers' footwell. Sliding mats can be irritating, and even potentially dangerous while driving so opt for a set with some sort of rubber backing or grip to keep them in place.
This is particularly important if you opt for mats made of carpet, as these are more likely to shift. Rubber mats will stick naturally to the floor of your car, and therefore, may not require additional grips.
Not all cars are made equally. Therefore, it would be a mistake to assume that any old mat you choose will fit the floor of your car. Of course, there are universal options, but these will often need some form of alteration prior to use.
Some companies make tailored mats for specific car models. The issue is that you'll likely only find options suitable for the most popular vehicles on the market. So if you drive a unique, brand new or classic car, then the chances of you finding a tailored mat are limited.
While extremely uncommon, some do use a left-hand drive on our shores. If this is you, then you’re going to need to look for a car mat for the drivers' side that accommodates the pedals. This information should be readily available, so it will be easy enough to identify whether you'll be able to use them in your car.
Finally, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to keep your mats clean. When it comes to rubber mats, they’ll be simple enough to wipe clean, or spray down with the garden hose. Although, it might be best leaving that task for a sunny day.
However, a carpet mat will require slightly more care. With this style, you have a few options depending on how clean you want it. Just the same as you would care for the carpets inside your home, you can either vacuum them to get rid of crumbs and surface debris, or use a carpet shampoo for a more thorough cleaning.
We weren't joking when we said the folk at Michelin knew a thing or two about creating decent car mats! This is their answer to those requesting an all-weather option, and to be frank, they've knocked it out the park. The set is capable of fitting in cars, SUVs, vans, trucks and even 4x4s.
When it comes to ultimate protection and functionality, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better. These rubber mats have been designed with traps that collect dirt, liquids and other debris. That way it can be easily disposed of, rather than finding its way onto the floor of your car.
This universal set from Sakura has it's feet split evenly in each camp, with the company using both materials to produce a trusty and reliable set of mats. Both the front and the back use a combination of carpet and rubber to offer complete protection that spans the entirety of your vehicle's interior.
One thing worth mentioning is that these mats are particularly large, which is a real bonus if you have a larger vehicle. This also provides a lot more leeway should you need to trim them down.
Michelin may be better known for producing world-class tyres, but they're rather good at making car accessories too - as proven by these premium car mats. The front panels both feature an additional heel pad for extra comfort, and although they may be considered a touch expensive compared to some others, they do have a more high-end feel.
This set comes with a stain-resistant treatment that offers you a little more protection, and should keep them looking fresher for longer.
Here is another set of heavy-duty floor mats, but this time they're designed with an intricate traction pattern. This safety feature should help keep them securely in place while they're in use.
This pack offers five pieces, instead of four. Why, you might ask? Well, the extra mat is for protecting the boot of your car. So you can happily sling your walking boots in the back once you've completed a nice, weekend trek around the Somerset countryside.
This distinctive set of mats from Ring Automotive combines carpet and rubber to deliver the best of both. The base of the floor mat is made from PVC rubber, which will protect your car from dirt, water and grease - if you have a habit of throwing the packaging in the back after a trip to the drive-thru.
The fit is universal and will require only minor alterations to bring it in line with your vehicle. Autocar, one of the nation's favourite automobile review sites, rates these mats very highly, and we don't think that's a coincidence!
Whilst most carpet car mats will give you a nice bounce compared to their rubber counterparts, these babies from Safe Travel go one step further by including an additional heel pad. This not only aids in improving the overall comfort, but provides greater durability too.
The design is minimal with a nice stitched trim around the edges for a classier finish. The only real downside could just as well be considered a positive depending on where you sit, and we literally mean where you sit. You see, they're manufactured for left-hand drive cars.
This set of car mats is ideal for those who are likely to see a lot of rough and messy use. That's because they're made out of a robust and very durable rubber material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Think heavy, muddy boots, and whatever your mucky children can throw at them.
As with most in our ranking, this too comes as a four-piece set, although much cheaper than many of the other options. However, there have been some complaints regarding slipping. Therefore, it's essential to make sure they're placed as securely as possible.
This is another tailor-made carpet car mat set, this time for a Ford Fiesta 2011. The design is simple, with a cool grey trim that adds a touch of character to an otherwise featureless accessory. If you would prefer something a bit more exciting than grey, there are 11 different colour variations to choose from, including neon yellow and hot pink.
Moreover, the mats have a sturdy rubber backing that will see them stay in place throughout the duration of your drive. Sadly, it's a little on the thin side. So you if you're looking for a luxury feel, these might not be for you.
Here we have an all-season set that is truly universal. With a few simple cuts, these mats will be at home in cars, SUVs and even trucks. They're made from heavy-duty, BPA-free rubber, so there are no toxic chemicals, or funky, plastic-y smells.
We've opted for the beige colour here, which could be a little risky as they'll likely look dirtier quicker. However, they're also available in a more neutral black, and even grey if you'd prefer.
If you're looking for sleek and sophisticated mats for the floor of your Corsa, then you've come to the right place! These carpet mats are a genuine Vauxhall product, so you know they've been designed specifically with your model in mind.
This four-piece set provides protection for both front footwells and each back seat. The obvious downside is that they're only useful if you drive a Vauxhall Corsa. Some buyers have also found that they retain smells for long periods of time, so you might want to avoid these if you like to take the pooch in the car.
Whether you've just bought a brand new car, or are looking to maintain your current motor, there are plenty of products to make driving that little bit better. We've ranked some of the best safety and maintenance gear for cars, lorries and vans in the UK. Simply click the links below to find out more!
So concludes our guide to finding the right car floor mats for you and your vehicle. Generally speaking, once you've decided on whether you want carpet or rubber mats, from there it's just a case of making sure they fit. Here's to protecting your car and keeping it nice and clean!
Author: Lewis Clark
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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