Car mat: types and features, which one to choose

Car mats not only create coziness in the salon complement its design. Their main task is to protect the floor from moisture and dirt. Car mats are made of several types of materials. Their properties differ. Let's consider the main types of car mats, their features and a few tips on choice.

Car mats made of textile

Classic car mats are made of carpeting. In most cars, they are included in the factory equipment. Textile mats are soft for the feet, combine with the flooring in the cabin and create coziness. Rubber-based carpeting products are more practical, as they are not soaked with water through.

What is important to consider when choosing a textile mat for the car:

• In rainy, snowy weather, a lot of moisture gets into the cabin. A textile mat is soaked by it. Dirt remains on the wet carpet.
• A wet mat in the fall and winter period does not have time to dry out if it is left in the car. This can make the interior smell damp.
• Textile mats are best suited for dry weather and clean streets.

PVC car mats

PVC resembles rubber in appearance and does not allow water to pass through at all. Many mats made of this material are made in the form of bathtubs. Thanks to this shape, they hold more water.

Features of car mats from PVC:

• It is important that the material is frost-resistant. Then the mat will remain elastic, no cracks will occur on it.
• The PVC mat for cars should have spikes and fixing holes. Then it will not slip and gather in irregularities. A slippery mat can be dangerous, especially if it gets under the pedals of the car.
• The advantage of PVC mats is their practicality and low cost.

Car mats made of thermoplastic

Thermoplastic resembles plastic. Model mats for a particular car model are made of polyolefin. They are rigid, do not change shape. Polyurethane mats are more elastic, but they are also made for a specific car. Covers made of thermoplastic elastomer are soft. They can be trimmed to fit the seat on the floor of the car interior.

Features of car mats from thermoplastic:

• Low weight of the product.
• There is no unpleasant rubber odor.
• High wear resistance. The material withstands the impact of oil, fuel, reagents, which are sprinkled on the roads.

EVA car mats

These are car floor coverings made of vinyl acetate or polymer foam. They are made in bright colors with a bee honeycomb-like structure. These mats hold dirt well, so they should only be washed in a high-pressure washer. EVA mats are used on a flat floor.

Rubber mats for cars

Quality products have no unpleasant odor. Rubber mats are aesthetic and practical. On their surface, shoes do not slip. However, they are quite heavy. Even quality materials have a faint characteristic odor.

How to choose a car mat

For the period of snowy or rainy weather, it is better to lay mats made of rubber or polymers. In the dry summer months, you can use textile car mats. The odor of the product should not be pungent and acrid. It is important to keep in mind that all new car mats have a slight odor. It will weather out over time. As for the color, black mats fit most car interiors. Gray, beige or colored car floor coverings are chosen according to the interior design.