Are rubber car mats better than carpet?
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Your car mats are probably one of those features that you don’t think about too often, but they play an important role in preserving the life of the interior of your car.
They not only help to prevent wear and tear, but they can also keep dirt, moisture, and bad odours at bay, making your car a fresher and more pleasant place to be, as well as helping to preserve its resale value when the time comes to move on.
When it comes to choosing your car mats, there might be more to think about than you first expected. There are a variety of materials on offer that can provide a different look, feel and use depending on how you use your vehicle and the styling of it. The main choice that you will need to make is whether to opt for carpet car mats or rubber ones.
So, how do you know which ones it should be? In this article, Car Mats UK take a look at the choices to help you decide which ones are most suitable for your vehicle.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your car mats, rubber mats tend to be the much easier option. These can be removed, shaken down and rinsed quite easily with just the use of a garden hose and some soap, whilst carpet mats will require more care, and possibly the use of specialist carpet cleaner. Rubber car mats also offer a greater degree of stain protection from spills and the dirt on the bottom of your shoe.
Seasonal uses
Sometimes the best car mat for you might be different according to the time of the year. During the summer months, a carpet car mat might serve you well, but during autumn and winter when the weather is wet and it is muddy underfoot, you might find it better to use a rubber car mat.
This is because it offers greater protection for the floor of your car and is much easier to clean. During wet weather, the wrong floor mats can allow moisture to penetrate, leaving it at risk of damage such as rust on the floor of your car.
Lifestyle
Your choice of car mat is likely to be most affected by your lifestyle. Those with pets often find rubber car mats beneficial, as it is much easier to remove dog hair or clean up any of those little accidents that might happen during a journey.
Rubber car mats are also great for those who prefer an outdoor lifestyle. Whether your chosen hobby is walking, cycling, or even playing football, it is likely that you are getting down and dirty for much of the time and need a form of floor protection that offers heavy duty care.
This is also true if your vehicle is used for work that requires more than a trip to the office. If you work involves you being outside then you will often find yourself and your workmates dragging mud, dust, and other debris into the vehicle on a regular basis. Rubber car mats are designed to take this kind of punishment and will help to keep the inside of your car looking good for longer.
It is not just our feet that we need to worry about when it comes to choosing a car mat, it is also what we carry in our car. If you are someone who eats or drinks on the go then rubber car mats provide better protection from coffee and ketchup stains, whilst their strong and durable nature make them great if you are transporting dirty cargo like work tools, buggies, or sporting equipment.
Durability
Whilst many car mats are built to last, some will offer greater durability than others. Capet car mats come in a variety of different qualities and are designed to stand up to a lot of things. However, rubber car mats are a better option if you need something that will cope with a lot of rough treatment. They are extremely durable and can protect your car even when subjected to the harshest conditions.
Rubber mats are used to withstanding heavy treatment as well as a lot of dirt. That means they can protect your floors from heavy boots, dog claws or even a stiletto heel. A rubber mat is better made to absorb this kind of damage and will therefore last a lot longer in these circumstances than a carpet car mat.
Carpet Car Mats
Whilst rubber car mats might seem like the better option, there are also some good reasons to opt for carpet instead. As you might expect, carpet will feel better underfoot, and with the choice of qualities heading into the luxury market, some will feel almost as soft as the carpet in your living room. This can add a real feel of luxury to your car and make it a much nicer place to be.
Generally, carpet car mats are considered the more stylish option. The come in a range of colours and trims which means that you can choose something that suits both you and your car. Whilst there is some choice when it comes to rubber car mats, this tends to be much more limited, and they can often be the less aesthetically pleasing option.
When you order a custom carpet car mat, you have a lot of options at your disposal, including personalisation. This can range from embroidered lettering to full photo printing, meaning that carpet car mats offer a much more unique selection.
Both carpet and rubber car mats are great, and the best one for you will largely depend on the way in which you use your vehicle. If you use your car for work or like to go on an adventure or two, then the durable, hard wearing rubber mat could be the best choice for you. Whichever type of mat you choose, make sure that it is something which offers adequate protection for your car in order to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
