The content of the article:
- The feasibility of using a car mat
- Rules for choosing car mats
"Tell me what kind of carpet you have in the car, and I'll tell you what you are." So you can paraphrase a well-known saying, paying attention to the selection of a car mat.
Motorists are accustomed to having a rug under their feet and no longer notice how important this detail is. A simple accessory unobtrusively fits into the interior of the car, silently performing the tasks laid down in it by the manufacturer. How should you choose a carpet for the salon so that it fulfills its intended purpose as much as possible?
The feasibility of using a car mat
After the purchase, the car has to be strengthened to play the role of a faithful assistant to the owner. At first, an expensive acquisition is cherished, cared for and cherished. Over time, the car owner gets used to the "iron horse" and already looks at some things carelessly.
Ignoring the rules for operating a car leads to sad events: you have to visit car services more often, buy expensive spare parts, and replace parts.
Body parts can be saved as long as possible, if you keep clean, tidy in the cabin, using the right mat.
A small product under the feet of passengers and the driver can extend the life of the metal surface of the passenger compartment, reliably sheltering it from moisture, dirt and dust - the worst enemies of metal.
The mat will protect against corrosion. The advantage of using this part is also the simplification of the methods of cleaning the interior. Cleaning or replacing the rug is easier, easier than thinking about the problem of getting rid of rust on the vehicle floor.
What are the recommended rules for choosing car mats?
Rules for choosing car mats
1. Secrets of different materials
In the photo: 3D rug
Manufacturers offer on the automotive market a diverse "range" of materials involved in the creation of attributes for the interior. It is worthwhile to understand in detail each material separately.
Rubber
Rubber car mats are attractive at an affordable price. Such products are easy to cut, give them the necessary dimensions for your car. They can be easily cleaned of dirt. There are also no problems with drying, unlike textiles.
Rubber mats have a significant drawback: in the cold they "dub", are subject to wear and tear, creases on the sides, and cracking. These rugs are usually sold as a gift with a car to make the interior look more presentable.
Although a lot depends on the quality. On the market, a number of manufacturers adequately represent good rubber products that meet the requirements of the vehicle owner.
Polyurethane
For those wishing to purchase improved rugs, servicemen will recommend buying polyurethane models. The material belongs to the middle price segment and has an improved composition formula.
In the cold, they no longer harden, unlike rubber ones, and easily take the desired shape under the chairs.
The design style makes the salon different from other cars, emphasizes the thrifty character of the owner and the ability to properly invest money in protecting the "iron horse".
The advantage of this type of material is the ability to protect the floor from moisture from boots for a long time. Many drivers recognize the high price as a disadvantage.
The cost is justified by the more resistant, compared to the rubber nature, to temperature extremes and the absence of a characteristic odor. For those who want to save money, the following type of auto products has been invented.
Textile
Textile rugs differ from the aforementioned "congeners" in their neat appearance.
It is pleasant to lower boots on their fleecy surface. The pile absorbs moisture quickly. Shoes do not squelch in a puddle that has drained from shoes.
Manufacturers offer different color solutions so that the owner of the vehicle can choose an option for the interior design of the cabin. These options are affordable.
The main drawback of these models is the lack of sides, so there is no need to talk about reliable protection in the conditions of Russian roads. They can be used in dry weather.
3D rugs
3D rugs are a special version of a material consisting of several layers, including synthetic fibers.
This type of car mats is one of the most expensive, but justified. They reliably cover any surfaces of the car from the effects of chemicals, moisture, dirt and dust particles.
The carpet is durable and will last for many years. Such models are not often changed. The downside is the impressive price tag with high numbers.
2. Choosing a manufacturer
Photo: Euromat rugs
What brand product should you choose and not regret the money spent? The question is understandable for a car enthusiast.
The market is replete with products from a variety of manufacturers looking to upgrade existing auto product options to please customers. Experts note the observance of production technologies at the factories of the following branded companies:
- Euromat products are in great demand. Engineers of this organization from Latvia have been able to create practical 3D luxury carpets for years. They include as many as 5 layers with an anti-slip coating and a polyurethane water-repellent layer.
- The Russian company Novline is engaged in the production of polyurethane products. The company supplies the world market with models that fully match the interior design. The company cooperates with various foreign manufacturers of the automotive industry, offering special rugs for specific brands.
- The domestic brand L. Locker, known since 1993, sells budget options. The pride of the enterprise is polyurethane, textile models without unpleasant "aromas", moisture-proof and arranged according to the anatomical structure of the feet.
Considering the question of manufacturers, you should pay attention to reviews about companies, study auto forums, compare prices and quality.
3. Universal or special
In the photo: universal car mats
Car mats should be chosen according to the size for the car. To do this, there are two categories - you can choose universal rugs or choose special ones for the order and for a specific brand.
Inexpensive models are universal rugs. Their choice is simple, but they almost never coincide with your "swallow". It remains to cut, adjust to your transport format.
Usually, these rugs are made of heavy rubber, increasing the load on the floor. Price and practicality are the main advantages of this method to protect the interior floor from moisture.
Special car mats are intended for foreign cars and are purchased for specific models. It is easy to distinguish such products: they bear the logo of the machine for which they were developed.
Plus, the bottom of such variations is endowed with clamps that attach the rug to the floor. This is how they try to ensure that it does not "leave" when moving the foot over it, as it happens in frost with rubber. Branded ones last longer is a proven practice.
In addition to salons, there are models for the trunk. You should not neglect them, because the floor in the trunk also needs a similar "amulet". Modifications with thicker rubber are more suitable for the luggage compartment. Boards are not required for them.
A beautiful neat look of the trunk with this attribute is a guarantee of dry space and cleanliness. Having laid a rug, you do not have to worry about dust, debris that will be crammed into the corners. For summer, you can choose rubber, for winter - polyurethane.
4. Anti-slip gadget mats
The market also offers another version of comfort for the driver and passengers - anti-slip products. Their manufacture is based on the use of acrylic, PVC or silicone.These models are not intended for a footrest, but for the salon in general.
We are talking about items designed to hold a mobile phone on the surface of the on-board computer or in other areas of the interior decoration. The most budgetary option is the latter, but its disadvantage is its weakness in relation to temperature extremes.
Their cost is affordable and this attracts most car owners. It is worth considering that these modifications are usually chosen for the summer period, since they do not have sides and are mainly designed for dry weather. But it is better to protect them from direct exposure to sunlight.
5. High sides
Returning to the topic of salon floor mats, it is worth noting that the ease of use and durability of the metal on the floor depends on the presence of the sides of the car mats.
Products with sides prevent liquid from the shoe from getting onto the metal surface. They trap dirt particles, prevent debris from getting stuck in the car frame. The optimal side height is 3.5 cm.
Flourless variations can be chosen only for the summer period, mainly for stable dry weather. These include velor, textile.
6. Summer and winter
In the photo: winter car mats
A caring owner cares what kind of rug will become a "mascot" for his car. In this regard, he will choose for winter and summer different variants.
- Winter: pile textile mats with a rubberized backing are suitable. The choice is due to the fact that evaporation processes occur more slowly in winter. Wet cloth will drain faster than rubber or polyurethane.
- Summer: make the best use of rubber - it is easy to wash and dry.
Instead of an epilogue
Each experienced driver has a highly individual plan for choosing car mats. Much depends on the accuracy of the car owner, on the climatic conditions. An important criterion for buying a rug is whether the driver drives in the city or off-road.
Only the driver himself knows the unequivocal answer about the need to buy a certain type of car mat. The above tips will only help guide this choice in the right direction.
