Rubber Floor Mats: A Vital Vehicle Accessory

You picked the kids up from football practice and they piled into the car--soaking cleats and all. 

Mud and stains embed themselves in the previously pristine carpet, and the interior takes on a musty odor.  

How can you prevent this from happening to you? Well, rubber floor mats are a good place to start this fall. 

Rubber mats are durable enough to stand up to all the soil, salt, snow and rain finding its way into the car this time of year.

“A durable, custom-fitted floor mat puts nature firmly in its place,” said Tara Duncan, director of marketing for Husky Liners, a company that designs and manufactures heavy-duty floor mats. “Custom-molded liners that fit your vehicle’s floorboards keeps dust, dirt and debris out of your carpet.”

Mats add aesthetic appeal to a vehicle’s interior, but protecting the carpet should be the priority, Duncan said. Clean carpets keep the air in your car from becoming musty by reducing the amount of dust and allergens inside, she added.

Knowing what your needs and expectations are for a product simplifies the selection process, Duncan said.

Unsure where to start? Duncan said look for a product that provides a snug fit and a guarantee from its manufacturer.

Duncan offered the following suggestions to consider when shopping for floor mats:

-Look for a product that comes with a warranty. Such safeguards give consumers peace of mind.

-Insist on custom-fitted mats. A mat designed specifically for your make, model and year fits best and provides maximum protection.

-Check the cleats. Make sure the mat can grip the carpet so it won’t slide around during driving.

-Protect your investment. Durable mats still need a thorough rinsing and the interior should still be vacuumed. Wash the mats regularly and clean the interior as they dry.