Tailored Car Mats

Generally speaking, thicker car mats indicate a higher quality; however, a mat that is too thick can become an obstruction for drivers trying to operate the pedals. So, while cushioning and insulation are important features, think ‘safety first’ when it comes to car mat thickness.

Material that spends all day getting trodden on and worn down by repetitive friction needs to be durable, otherwise you’ll find yourself replacing your car mats every few months. That’s why it’s worth investing in your car mats and opting for good mid-range and premium options, like those stocked by Kwik Fit.

The different materials that car mats are made of serve different functions — and which car mat type you should opt for depends largely on how you use your vehicle. Generally speaking, rubber or waterproof mats are better for cars frequently filled with muddy boots and lots of bags.

Rubber mats are designed to clean up easily after getting dirty for repeated use. So, if you regularly pick the kids up from football in their muddy kit or are an avid dog walker, rubber car mats are better for you. On the other hand, cloth mats have a much more luxurious feel, but are harder to clean. As such, cloth car mats may be a better option for those who commute or keep their cars squeaky clean.

Since car mats are not integral to the mechanics of your car and aren’t necessarily a critical safety feature, there are no official rules stipulating how often they should be changed. As such, how often you replace your car mats depends on:

• How well you maintain them
• Their material
• The quality of them
• If they become worn down or damaged

Technically, yes. However ‘fit’ and ‘fit well’ are two very different things. Universal car mats are designed in such a way that they will fit into the majority of footwells (this is excluding specialist vehicles such as sports cars or vans, which may have different-sized footwells). As such, universal car mats loosely fit all cars, which means they are a perfect fit for no car. As opposed to tailored car mats, universal options rarely fit snugly and perfectly, causing overlap or mat slippage.

Rubber car mats are durable and can last a long time if they are well maintained. If cleaned regularly and often inspected for signs of wear and tear, rubber car mats can last as long as the car. However, there may be some differences in wear levels between the mats in the less-used rear footwells and the mats in the front (especially the driver side where repetitive pedal usage can increase erosion rates).

No, all car mats do not fit the same. While universal car mats provide a loose solution and a general fit, tailored car mats like those above offer a perfect match that fit to the unique contours, grooves, and dimensions of your car’s footwells.

If your car mats are looking a little worse for wear, giving them a wash is a good idea. If you have rubber mats, you can clean them with a soft-bristled brush and some soapy water to remove any excess mud and debris. Cloth car mats, on the other hand, require more specialist care.

It’s not advisable that you put your car mats in the washing machine, as they are heavy and contain materials like rubber that may not wash properly or, in the worst case scenario, may damage your washing machine. Instead, dust them off, wet them and scrub them by hand, leaving them to dry fully before putting them back into your car to avoid damp and condensation.

For more information, please read our blog, The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Car Clean.