Although you may not think about it, your car's floor mats are very important to the car's interior. They protect the upholstery and can add to the aesthetic of the vehicle. In addition, floor mats can be used to customize your car to truly make it your own. However, these floor mats can be damaged if you do not take the proper precautions.
There are several type of car floor mats, but the most common materials for car mats are rubber and cloth. Rubber mats are also called "all-weather mats," and they are more durable. They can be easily washed and they do not tear easily, making them a good choice if you have a sports utility vehicle or a car that you plan to use for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and bicycling. Cloth floor mats are typically considered more aesthetically pleasing, and some owners choose them because they fit in better with cloth and leather seating and upholstery.
Regardless of what type of floor mats you have, the first step in preventing them from excessive damage is to avoid placing sharp objects on them. For example, you should avoid placing rocks, bricks, and tools on your car mats because these types of objects can easily tear floor mats. If you must carry this kind of cargo, it is recommended that you protect your floor mats with plastic tarp, which is available at most hardware stores. Not only will a plastic tarp protect your mays from dirt, but it will also prevent sharp objects from "grabbing" your mats and tearing them.
Another important step in protecting your floor mats is to take care when placing them. Depending on your car's make and model, your floor mats may be irregularly shaped. For example, some car mats have cutouts for seats. The area around these cutouts is vulnerable because it can be pierced when you move your car's seats.
It is important to care for your car's floor mats because they are key to maintaining a functional and aesthetic interior. You can easily protect your mats from damage by taking basic precautions when using your car.