How to choose car mats
Content
It would seem that it could be easier than choosing the right accessory for the car. The key factor in this case is the preferences of the owner of the vehicle. However, car mats are not just an accessory that complements the interior of a car.
In fact, this decor element has an important function.
- Firstly, it protects the carpet of the car floor. During the ride, the driver always puts his feet on the heel. Shoes with rough heels quickly wipe textile material. This causes holes in the floor. And any obstruction to the legs of a motorist is fraught with an emergency. Rugs are easier to replace than the main floor.
- Secondly, they facilitate the cleaning process. It is enough to remove it from the car and put it out.
- Thirdly, they protect the floor from rust. In rainy times, or in winter, a lot of moisture gets into the car. Most of all - with the shoes of the driver and passengers. Water that has soaked into the upholstery is difficult to completely remove. Therefore, the metal part of the body will inevitably be oxidized.
Types of Car Mats
All auto-carpets are divided into three categories.
- Destination. This category includes models in the cabin and in the trunk. The first category is subject to wear and tear. Therefore, they must be made of more durable material. The option for the trunk must be selected based on the operating conditions of the car. If the car often carries different loads, then this coating should be as durable as possible.
- Model. There are only two carpet models. It is universal and made for a specific car. In the first case, there is a high probability that such a model will not be able to qualitatively protect the floor from moisture and dirt. Universal carpets are always either less than the required size, or vice versa - more.
- Материал.
Types of automotive carpets by material
Manufacturers of car accessories offer 3 types of floor mats. These are rubber, polyurethane and textile. Their selection also depends on the operating conditions of the car. Here are their main pros and cons.
Rubber Car Mats
Classic flooring. They are also divided into several categories. The first is standard, shallow (up to 1,5 centimeters) models. The second is made in the form of a bath, the side of which is much higher (about 3 cm).
Advantages of the rubber option:
- cheap;
- easy to clean.
Disadvantages:
- have an unpleasant odor;
- in the frost they are dubbing;
- heavy weight (depending on the model, the kit can tighten more than 5 kg.);
- have only black coloring.
Eurostandard models have a grid. It prevents the accumulation of water in one part of the mat. Thanks to this, even a small side can hold it inside the pallet.
Polyurethane floor mats in a car
They are made of rubber-like material. However, they have improved properties:
- less weight;
- do not change their elasticity with decreasing temperature;
- have no unpleasant smell;
- more options suitable for different brands of cars;
- extended color gamut (gray, beige and black).
This category of car mats has only one drawback - they have a slightly higher price than rubber counterparts.
Textile floor mats in a car
Some motorists believe that the pile material is practical only for machines that are operated in large cities. In fact, it copes with a lot of moisture. Some models can absorb up to two liters of water.
The advantages of this type of material:
- absorbs moisture;
- equipped with polyurethane or metal thrust bearing;
- sand falling on the surface does not scratch the product;
- lighter than polyurethane.
Among the disadvantages:
- after washing, require drying (up to 30 minutes);
- require frequent cleaning;
- the pile is quickly wiped.
Textile models are also divided into two categories: pile and ordinary fabric. The former can be used year-round, because the pile retains moisture well. Ordinary rugs are recommended to be used only in dry weather.
So which rugs to choose?
There is no hard and fast rule in this matter. The motorist can choose a mat that is more suitable for the operating conditions of the car. It is better to choose a reliable model.
A mat is considered to be of high quality, in which there are rubber spikes on the back side, and a thrust bearing on the front side. Spikes will prevent the carpet from sliding on the floor. A thrust bearing will prevent premature wear of the product.
Those who care about aesthetics will suit textile models. For lovers of reliability and practicality, rubber or polyurethane options are ideal.
A detailed overview of all types of rugs in the next video.
Questions and answers:
What are the best car mats? It all depends on the conditions in which the machine is operated. If the car often drives on a primer, then it is better to choose rubber mats. For urban conditions, textile pile is suitable.
What are the best car mats to use in winter? For conditions with high humidity (rain or melted snow), it is better to use rubber mats with high sides - water does not drain onto the floor upholstery.
How to choose rubber car mats? Compared to rubber mats, polyurethane analogs are more elastic and durable, do not coarse in the cold, can be of several colors, and are also made for a specific car model.
