Carpet vs. Rubber: Which Floor Mat Is Right for You?
One of the primary benefits of choosing a rubber car floor mat is that it’s relatively easier to clean. At least that’s one of the reasons why we prefer it. But don’t make a decision just yet, because there’s more.
Instead of rooting for a particular type of car floor mat, we’ll explain the two primary types and break down their pros and cons. This will allow you to make a choice for yourself. Let’s start with the carpet mats.
Why Choose Carpet Floor Mats?
Carpet mats are often made out of Berber or nylon. You can get your hands on carpet mats of different thicknesses and sizes, depending on what best fits your car. They’re comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and available in different colors. If you’re confused about what else they have to offer, consider the positives and negatives we’ve highlighted below:
Pros of Carpet Floor Mats for Cars
- Even the fanciest carpet mats are affordable and this makes them serious dough, considering their comfort and functionality.
- They can easily be customized to match your car and aesthetic sense.
- Carpet mats can last you for years if you take care of them.
- They’re thicker than most rubber mats and this keeps them in their place (prevents your heels from slipping).
- They’ll build a stronger grip even when they’re wet.
- They look super elegant (unlike rubber mats that are rather casual).
Disadvantages of Carpet Mats
- They’re difficult to clean.
- Debris and dirt can permanently make a house in the microfibers and even when they’re cleaned, you can never really get the dirt out.
- Carpet floor mats get smelly when they’re wet (this can make them stinky in the rainy season).
- They wear out faster than rubber mats.
Why Choose Rubber?
These mats are made out of heavy-duty rubber and they’re available in a plethora of designs and patterns. The rubber they’re made out of is strong and will withstand the roughest of use. You can easily purchase ready-made rubber car floor mats. In case you’re able to find the right fit for your car, you can always request custom-made rubber mats. They might cost you a bit more than usual but the customization and perfect size are totally worth it.
Pros of Rubber Floor Mat
- Rubber mats are a breeze to clean. All you have to do is quickly rinse and spray water, and you’re done.
- The cheapest rubber floor mats are more economical than carpet mats. They don’t look too good but are made to last.
- They’re made to withstand dirty environments.
- Grooved rubber mats can help get the snow off your shoes in the winter, making it easier for you to just take them out and clean them when stepping out of the car.
- They’re designed to last as long as the vehicle does.
Cons of Rubber Floor Mat
- They aren’t as fancy-looking as carpeted mats, making the interior look cheaper.
- Rubber mats are mostly only available in black or gray color.
- They are lightweight and can easily slip with the pressure of your heels.
- Good-quality rubber mats that are designed to last for life are usually more expensive than their carpeted counterparts.
Final Words
If you can afford it, we advise that you buy both types of mats. Keep the rubber mats for casual use — save the elegant carpeted mats for special occasions. If you own multiple cars, you can keep switching between the two. In the winter or rainy season, we advise that you just stick to rubber mats.