The content of the article:
- Types of car mats
- Choosing the material for the rug
- Rubber
- Textile
- Combined material
- Polyurethane
- 3D rugs
Traditionally, motorists underestimate the importance of car floor mats. Many of them will not even remember what the car mats look like and what they are made of in the interior of their cars. In fact, car floor mats provide the atmosphere and comfort of the interior, and protect the floor from excess moisture. With a poor-quality rug, high humidity can cause corrosion of the metal elements of the interior floor and the development of fungi. The presence of car mats greatly facilitates cleaning in the cabin: just take out, shake off the dust and rinse - the mats are ready for use again.
The main condition for the long-term functioning of the rugs is the right choice. The selection of these auto products in stores is very diverse. A wide assortment can become the reason for choosing a poor-quality rug, and knowledge of the selection rules will avoid mistakes. In this article we will analyze what car rugs are, how they differ from each other, how to choose car rugs.
Types of car mats
Only the driver who absolutely does not care about his "iron friend" believes that all car mats are the same and differ only in appearance. The stores offer a huge assortment of models from different manufacturers and price categories from inexpensive budget to very expensive luxury car mats. When purchasing protection of the passenger compartment against moisture and dirt, make sure that the kit also includes mats for the luggage compartment.
There are two groups of rugs: universal and products for a specific model.
When buying a car, it may already contain universal, as a rule, low-quality carpets. Made of felt or rubber, these products can be installed in any car model. Since there is no fit for a specific car, universal car mats, as a rule, lay down crookedly, with an offset, creases - this is their main drawback.
When buying carpets, car owners, as a rule, opt for universal models. This is due to the lower cost and greater availability. For their manufacture, rubber is used, structurally they do not have "sides", which makes it easier to "fit" into various salons. They are designed to fit any vehicle.
The main disadvantage of the universal type of rugs is a short guaranteed service life. They wear out quickly enough
.
Products for a specific car model represent a qualitatively different level. And in this group, two varieties can be distinguished: original and not original.
The production of original products is carried out by the European enterprises of the automaker's company. Most often made of rubber or textile, these rugs are of excellent quality. Unfortunately, in our conditions, they are also not durable.
Non-original products made of rubber, textiles, polyurethane differ in a number of advantages:
- The cost is much lower;
- Full compliance with the features of the floor relief;
- The presence of high sides;
- Neat appearance.
Among the disadvantages are poor tolerance to our operating conditions, higher hydrophilicity, etc.
Material selection
The most widespread among motorists are carpets made of rubber, felt, as well as fabric and fleecy. From each of the listed materials, you can find both universal and original, produced for cars of a certain model, brand.
Rubber mats
The use of rubber as a material of rugs allows you to make the most accurate fit along the contour and relief of the floor. If necessary, they can be trimmed, taking into account all the bends and turns. Most manufacturers produce rubber models with an allowance for self-adjustment of the product. Rubber car mats are not afraid of high humidity, the guaranteed service life is two to three years.
Rubber mats are the best choice for quality, reliability, efficiency and affordability. Considering the constant muddy domestic roads and snowy winters, rubber mats look the most attractive.
A European car enthusiast, perhaps, will not understand such reasoning. Less severe climatic conditions, clean well-groomed roads make it possible to use felt and fleecy rugs. You can also try woolen or felt options with us. But, as practice shows, in the rainy autumn season, turning into winter, it will be very difficult to take care of them.
Dirt from sidewalks and roads will inevitably get into the cabin and settle on the carpet. The textile rug will become saturated with moisture in a few days and become the same color as the dirt outside the window. The salon will be filled with dampness and an unpleasant odor. The rubber mat, protecting the floor from excessive moisture, is very easy to clean from dirt. It is enough to take it out, dip it in water or wash it with a hose and dry it or wipe it with a rag - it is clean again and ready for use.
It is incredibly convenient to have a bead around the perimeter of the entire mat. It prevents water from spreading beyond the perimeters of the mat and makes cleaning much easier. Dirt, dust and accumulated water are removed from the passenger compartment in one motion without the risk of being spilled or scattered on the floor of the passenger compartment.
It is also very important that rubber mats are the cheapest. They also have disadvantages:
- Freeze at low temperatures - lose elasticity;
- At elevated temperatures, they begin to emit an unpleasant odor.
The disadvantages are solved by combining a textile set in a dry spring-summer season and a rubber one in an autumn-winter one. At the same time, textiles do not give off an odor in the heat and last twice as long if they are not exposed to dampness during wet seasons. Rubber car mats perfectly protect the floor, easy to clean in the dirty season.
Textile (pile, rag) rugs
The second place in popularity is confidently taken by rag and nap car mats. In wet seasons, pile coverings can absorb large amounts of moisture. The main disadvantage of this situation is the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the cabin as a result of the development of microflora. In the warmth of the cabin with high humidity, a variety of fungi and bacteria grow well. A few days of an undried rug - and the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the cabin cannot be avoided.
At the same time, outwardly, they look an order of magnitude more luxurious and richer than rubber ones. But they are also somewhat more expensive. The main disadvantage. taking time and effort - the need to constantly wash and dry them thoroughly. A high-quality nap or textile rug can absorb up to 2 liters of water.
When buying such a rug, pay attention to the base - it must be rubberized. If there is no rubber base, refuse to purchase such a water intake. Without rubber that protects the floor, you will have the sea under your feet and there is no more sense in such a rug than from a simple beautiful napkin.
In winter, be sure to take car mats made of fabric to dry, otherwise an ice floe will be found on the floor after spending the night in the cabin. The recommended frequency of replacement of textile rugs is annually. This is due to their ability to absorb odors.
Benefits:
- Provides surface cleanliness due to its high absorbency;
- Affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Poor adaptation to domestic operating conditions;
- Requires time consuming care.
Combined rugs
Technologically, these are rubber trays with a snap-on textile lining. In dry weather they can be used in a puff set, and in wet and dirty weather - the textile is unfastened. A practical, inexpensive option, but not without drawbacks:
- Rapid wear and tear of the buttons holding the textile layer;
- The need for separate storage of textile lining.
Polyurethane rugs
This is a more exotic version of rugs - the demand for them is not high and they are less popular. Externally, polyurethane mats look like rubber. Manufacturers make them for a specific car model. The advantages of polyurethane rugs include the following:
- Polyurethane perfectly repeats the relief of the floor and fits very tightly;
- Like rubber cousins, polyurethane ones are equipped with bumpers that prevent accumulated water from spilling onto the floor;
- Little weight;
- They tolerate low temperatures well - they do not "dubble" in the cold;
- High indicators of wear resistance;
- Do not absorb foreign odors.
The main disadvantage of these rugs is their high cost. They are 2-3 times more expensive than their rubber counterparts. This is the main reason for the refusal of motorists to purchase polyurethane car mats.
3D car mats
They are highly practical. Due to the configuration features, they provide the maximum of all available options for protecting the passenger compartment from dirt and water. Subject to quality production, such rugs have a long service life. No other type of rugs can show a similar duration of service.
An auto accessory of this technology combines winter and summer options. It provides not only comfort, but also maximum safety for the driver and passengers. In addition, 3d rugs have an unusual and attractive look. Their use will emphasize the individuality of the owner, give the salon style and grace.
Advantages of 3d car mats:
- Special high-temperature technology for combining layers;
- Carpet covering of the top layer;
- Absolute repetition of the floor relief by the product;
- The reverse side and the contact points of the driver's feet are made with anti-slip material.
There are no perfect car mats. You will have to choose, focusing on the model of the car, the operating climate, personal needs and preferences of the driver. The main thing to pay attention to is practicality and comfort of use. Ideally, the model should repeat the shape of the cabin as much as possible, attach well and keep as much dust, dirt and moisture as possible. An optimal rug will last a long time, perfectly fitting into the overall interior design.
The information provided is enough to make a meaningful choice of car mats, so that later you will not be disappointed in your decision.
