Why Do You Need Car Mats
Car mats protect your car from all sorts of dirt, including dust, mud from your shoes and food or liquid spills. If you live in rainy areas, placing a mat inside your car is useful since its moisture-wicking power can quickly eliminate the buildup of moisture. Almost all car mats are weather-proof, which means you can use them all year round. Car mats tend to be easier to clean and maintain at home without a professional than the floor of your car. For this reason, they can help to protect your car from bacteria or grime buildup that can lead to mold or mildew growth on the carpet or fabric parts of a vehicle’s interior. Plus being able to clean these at home will save you a ton on professional car cleaning fees down the road. Getting a beautifully-designed mat is also a low-stakes way to enhance the interior looks of your car. Accessories like car mats and covers perform the task of protection and make your vehicle look good. Including them can keep your car in a well-maintained state for years which will also increase the vehicle’s resale value.Types of Car Mats
Fabric car mats
Fabric mats have a rubbery bottom, making them resistant to slipping or moving around. You can find them in universal sizes to easily fit inside any car model. Cleaning this mat type is also pretty straightforward; you can do it daily if you wanted. However, they have a shorter life span compared to other types. Regular pressure on these mats can quickly cause noticeable amounts of wear that can’t typically be reversed.Vinyl mats
Vinyl mats are even sturdier than typical rubber mats. You can use them in all seasons, including rainy or windy months. Such mats have unique edges that store all the dust and debris. You can quickly shake it off to get rid of the dirt and return it to your vehicle as good as new. The tips at their backside help them stick to the surface minimizing the chances of slipping.Rubber mats
Almost all car owners prefer these mats for their cost-effectiveness and durability. You can even get a free rubber mat with your vehicle sometimes. Rubber mats are ideal for rainy days, thanks to their moisture-absorbing properties and anti-slip grip. However, it is recommended to clean them twice weekly as they get dirty pretty quickly.Things To Look For in Car Mats
Material
Most buyers look for mats with a material that is thick, easy to clean, and non-slip. It should also have exceptional moisture-eliminating properties, especially if you drive in particularly rainy areas. Rubber mats are ideal in this regard as they cover almost all the required features.Size
The car mat size depends upon the dimensions of your vehicle’s interior. It would be best if you bought a mat that covers every corner of the floor. It shouldn’t be smaller as spills can destroy the interior. Similarly, bigger mats won’t fit properly, causing discomfort while driving.Maintenance
An ideal car mat should require minimum maintenance, so you don’t have to clean it every other week. For example, carpeted mats don’t repel dust and water but absorb them. This will often lead to staining of the mat that you would have to thoroughly clean every other day. On the other hand, a mat with shallow grooves is ideal for drivers in windy terrain. You can shake off these mats to clean any accumulated debris that flew in and quickly wipe them down with a wet cloth.Surface
The mat you choose should have an anti-slip surface. Having a mat move around every time you get in or out of a car or shifting while you are on the road can be not only a nuisance but also a dangerous distraction while driving.Tips on Cleaning Car Mats
It’s important to clean your car mat after every week. Skipping out on this regimen can cause extra dirt buildup, while spills can also spread unpleasant odors in your car. Cleaning a rubber mat is easy, and you can complete the job in a few minutes by following the below steps.- The first step is to remove the mat from the car. Since you will use water, not removing them can lead to more mess inside the car.
- Forcefully shaking it on a hard surface can remove almost all the dirt and debris if you have a mat with shallow holes. If not, you can use a scraper or a small vacuum as well.
- A water pipe or hose can aid in loosening any stuck particles. Make sure water has a considerable pressure to ensure proper dislodging of rigid particles.
- If the mat is stained with any food spills, you should use soap to clean it. Pour some liquid soap over the stain and rub it. Then rinse it off with water.
- Finally, hang the mat in an airy place to let it dry before fixing it on your car’s floor again.
