Car Carpet Types, Functions, and Tips for Choosing Them

Car mats are one of the items that we often find in car interiors. The purpose of car mats is not only to protect the bottom of the car from scratches but also to enhance the beauty of the car's interior.

There are several types of car mats available on the market, ranging from affordable to expensive. Of course, each type of mat has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Types of Car Mats

Here are the types of mats that are commonly found along with their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Rubber Car Mats

This type of mat is made from natural rubber. The lifespan of rubber car mats is also relatively long. You can easily clean them because dirt that sticks to the rubber comes off easily when washed. The only disadvantage is that they are relatively expensive compared to most car mats.

2. Synthetic Car Mats

Car mats made from synthetic materials also resemble those made from rubber. They are also easy to clean and are popular due to their affordable price. The disadvantage is that their lifespan is not as long as rubber car mats.

3. PVC Car Mats (Noodle Car Mats)

PVC car mats are often referred to as noodle or rice vermicelli mats. This name comes from the surface of the mat, which resembles noodles or rice vermicelli. With such a surface, the grip of this mat is better on the feet.

This type of mat is also easier to clean. If it gets wet, just shake it off. If it gets dirty, just scrub it and wash it with soap. This mat also dries quickly when hung out to dry. Its price is also affordable.

4. Velvet Car Mats

If you prefer a luxurious feel, then velvet car mats are the choice for you. The velvet surface provides comfort for the feet. However, the disadvantage is that it is more difficult to clean compared to other types of car mats. Additionally, it is also relatively expensive.

5. Mixed Material Car Mats

Another type is car mats that are a mixture of various materials. This type is usually intentionally made by manufacturers to reduce costs while also ensuring a longer lifespan.

Mixed car mats typically combine PVC and synthetic rubber. Some are just glued together, for example, rubber and velvet fabric.

Functions of Car Mats

After knowing the types, the next is the function of car mats. Besides just being a footrest, they actually have other functions.

1. As a Protector 

Some people often enter the car while carrying food and drinks. It is not uncommon for food to fall or drinks to spill. Car mats serve to protect the bottom of the car from spilled food or drinks. Moreover, cleaning the mat is generally easier than cleaning the bottom of the car.

2. Maintaining Passenger Health

The car's floor often harbors many unknown things. There may be germs, dirt, or anything that could be harmful to us. With car mats, our feet do not directly touch the floor.

3. Protecting Against Scratches from Gravel

Often when using a car, passengers wear footwear. This footwear can pick up small gravel or other objects that could scratch the car's floor. With car mats, this can be avoided.

4. Sound Insulation

Another function of car mats is sound insulation when playing music loudly inside the car. Mats can block the sound of music from escaping the car.

5. Maintaining Resale Value

For those who want to sell their car in the future, they certainly want their car to look pristine to keep the resale value high. A floor that is still smooth and free of scratches can increase its resale value.

Tips for Choosing Good Car Mats

After knowing the types and functions, how do you choose good car mats? Here are the tips.

1. Choose Ones That Don't Smell

Good car mats are those that do not have an odor. At least, the smell should not be bothersome. For those who like to shop online, it can be very difficult to determine whether a mat smells or not. It is better to buy directly and smell the mat to see if it has an odor.

2. Choose Non-Slip Mats

Slippery car mats can disrupt comfort while driving. Slippery mats often change position, which is very annoying.

You can check for yourself whether the mat is slippery or not by testing it directly. However, if that is not possible, you can ask the seller to test whether the car mat is slippery or not.

3. Choose Mats with Adhesives or Hooks

Adhesives or hooks are very important if the mat does not fit the car space perfectly to prevent it from shifting easily. For those that fit perfectly, adhesives are not too necessary.

When a mat does not have adhesives and shifts easily, it is very likely that dirt on the mat can spill onto the floor due to movement. It would be a shame if you use car mats, but dirt can still fall onto the car's floor.

4. Choose Flexible or Elastic Mats

Good car mats have flexible or elastic properties. You need to pay attention to this point because the more flexible the mat, the better and more durable it will be. If the mat is not flexible enough, it will usually tear or break easily.

Typically, mats with high elasticity are more expensive than those with low elasticity. It is better to pay a little more than to have to buy a poor-quality item repeatedly.

5. Choose Mats with Not Too Dense Patterns

The reason to choose patterns that are not too dense is to make it easier for you to clean them. With a very dense pattern, the likelihood of dirt sticking is very high. Even if cleaned, it will still take longer compared to other more spaced patterns.

6. Choose Neutral Colors

Some people sometimes get carried away with the choice of car mat colors. For example, they like bright colors, but when installed in the car, they do not match. When viewed, they may look awkward.

To avoid this, it is best to choose neutral colors. Neutral colors can be black, brown, or other dark colors. Choosing bright colors is fine as long as you have imagined how they will look in your car.

7. Choose Based on Recommendations from Experts or Previous Buyers

Buying directly without recommendations has the possibility of getting a good or bad product. It is very different if you buy this car mat with recommendations, especially by asking friends or people who are experts in car mats. With recommendations, you will find it easier to get good car mats without having to experience a disappointment first.

Author: Iskael