Floor Mats: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to protecting the carpet in your vehicle, there are two things you can use:

• Floor mats
• Floor liners

The main difference between these items is their price and their effectiveness. Wirecutter explains that floor mats are basically pieces of rubber, carpet, or a combination of the two that are less expensive than liners but also offer less protection. With floor liners, you'll get a custom shape that will easily fit your vehicle. Additionally, they provide lips or walls around the edges that help trap debris and liquid from spills.

Differences Between Floor Mats and Floor Liners

You'll want to pay attention to the following features when deciding between floor mats and floor liners:

• Rims and ridges
• The mat's underside
• Thickness

Choose a product that has high edges around the rim that are sure to contain more debris and liquid from spills. Some floor mats have grooves and ridges that force liquid away from the driver's feet. The last thing you want to do is buy a mat that slips and slides around, restricting the pedals while you're driving. This is why it's important to pay attention to the bottom of the floor mats or liners you want to buy. Ideally, there will have some sort of hook that can be attached to the floor of your vehicle to hold the mats in place.

It might not seem like a determining factor in your floor mat selection, but thickness plays a role in your floor covering's efficacy. The thicker the floor mat, the more liquid it can absorb, making it more challenging to clean. However, it also provides more cushioning for your feet. When looking at a plastic or rubber mat, pay attention to the grooves — you want them deep enough to keep spills from getting into your carpet.

Types of Floor Mats and Floor Liners

With so many options when it comes to floor mats and liners for your car, truck, or SUV, how do you decide which one is right for you? You can get great mats or liners from the following brands:

• WeatherTech
• Intro-Tech
• Husky
• Rugged Ridge
• OxGord

Each of these companies offers a variety of products, including protection for the floor of your car. Use these descriptions of the floor mats and liners they sell to help you decide which option is right for you:

• WeatherTech all-weather mats: Although these mats cost about twice that of some of their rivals, AutoGuide.com says they offer more complete coverage. These mats will get you a better fit than universal mats can provide, plus they use the factory-mounted points on the driver's side to help keep them secure and in place.
• WeatherTech DigitalFit floor liners: If you're looking for liners that offer protection for every corner of your vehicle, then consider WeatherTech DigitalFit liners. According to AutoAccessories Garage, these mats are digitally designed and have a sturdy, nonslip surface that makes them perfect for use in winter weather. You can get this type of liner in a variety of colors to match or complement the interior of your vehicle. They may be a little more expensive, but they are made in the United States, are high-quality, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
• Intro-Tech Hexomat floor mats: For durable, flexible mats that won't crack, fade, or deteriorate, choose Hexomat. They are made of a space-age material and designed in a honeycomb pattern that will trap spills. With their nonskid backing and ability to cover nearly the entire floor, they make a perfect addition to any vehicle. You can get these mats in more than 11,000 styles, so you're sure to find one you like.
• Husky X-Act Contour floor liners: The X-Act Contour liners are a premium choice offered by Husky, as featured on the company's website. They cost more, however, than even Husky's own WeatherBeater liners. What they have over the competition is a soft-touch feel and a matte finish.
• Husky WeatherBeater floor liners: If you know you're going to be out in nature and you need liners that offer exceptional carpet protection while giving your car a rugged, sporty look, then you go with the WeatherBeaters. They provide a great fit and are well-shaped. With sharp nibs on the bottom, they are able to stay securely in place.
• Rugged Ridge all-terrain floor mats: Anyone who likes to go off-road will appreciate these all-terrain floor mats. They offer great protection against mud and are made using modern technology. You'll like that they have more tread depth than the competitors. In addition, debris will have a hard time getting through the hook fastening that auto-seals the mats to your floor, and you won't have trouble containing spills with their high walls and large coverage.
• OxGord heavy-duty floor mats: While these heavy-duty floor mats might not provide a perfect fit, they're a great budget-friendly option. Keeping snow, rocks, and other debris off your carpet will be easy when you have OxGord floor mats. These sturdy rubber mats feature both stain and weather resistance. Engineered to collect what you track in, they have deep pockets and are designed to fit most standard cars and trucks.

What's the Best Option?

It comes down to your individual needs when trying to select between floor mats and floor liners. For example, if you have an older vehicle with worn carpets, an inexpensive set of universal floor mats will probably work great. On the other hand, if you have a brand-new Jeep Wrangler, you might want something that will fit better and provide more protection from nature. Wirecutter says that if you spend a lot of time at the beach, off-roading, cleaning up spills from the back seat, or driving in snowy conditions, you probably want to opt for floor liners.

No matter which type of floor covering you choose, you'll improve your car's look and cleanliness. Choose ones that fit your lifestyle and needs to ensure you get the interior protection that's right for you.

Sources:

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-car-floor-mats-and-liners/

https://www.autoguide.com/top-13-best-car-floor-mats-and-why-you-need-them

https://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Floor-Mats-Liners/Top-10-Floor-Mats

https://www.huskyliners.com/Floor-Mats-Floor-Liners

https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a30913584/2020-editors-choice/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15339099/jinkies-jeepcessorize-your-2018-jeep-wrangler-with-new-jeep-accessories-from-mopar/