Time to Replace Your Car Mats
Car mats are an essential part of our vehicle’s interior that play a crucial role in keeping our car’s hygiene and maintaining its appearance. They help trap contaminants and protect the floorboard of the vehicle. However, car mats need to be replaced once in a while to ensure the hygiene and safety of the car. Here are the 5 signs that you should replace your car mats:
Car mats slip around - Slippery car mats pose a danger to drivers as it may impede the clutch, brake, or accelerator if the car mat slips underneath those pedals while driving. Therefore, replacing worn out and dangerous car mats are highly recommended!
It’s worn - Having a hole in your car mat not only affects the aesthetics of the car mats but can also be a hazard and has potential to create havoc on the road. Especially for ladies who wear heels, it may cause the tip of the heel to get trapped, distracting the driver’s attention while driving. Reaching the pedals quickly while driving is essential for safe driving, thus replace your car mats if they are worn through.
The size doesn’t fit to the floorboard - Car mats in the wrong sizes will not protect the carpet underneath from damage. A gap in coverage exposes your carpet to dirt and fluids the car mat would have normally captured. If spills from drinks or dirt stain on the carpet, it will be hard to remove and wear away the carpet. The damage isn’t great because it is far more expensive to replace carpet flooring of your vehicle than it is to buy a set of car mats.
There is mold - Mold is one of the major health risks stemming from old, worn out car mats! Mold releases spores into the air, which could then travel into your lungs when you breathe, triggering nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze and respiratory infections! More severe conditions such as asthma and allergies are worsened by the mold. Therefore, we’d recommend you to replace your cat mats sooner rather than later, especially if you or your family members are likely experiencing poor health.
Funny smells - Smell something funky when you’re in the car? This could very likely be your car mats! Just like the regular car wash keeps your car clean and shiny, your car mats deserve the same treatment too. However, if they still smell funny after a wash, perhaps it’s worth considering a new set of car mats because no one likes the embarrassment if having their passengers mention their ride smells funny.
If you’ve encountered any of these issues, it is time to get a replacement set of car mats.
Here are a few things you should look for in a replacement set:
Size of the car mats - You should identify the model of your vehicle before purchasing a set of car mats. To have a more accurate measurement of your car mats, you can visit mat retailers and they can give you the correct size of car mats after knowing your car model.
Surface of the car mats - Ensure the car mat you are buying contains an anti-slip surface to hold it in place. This will stop the car mat from slipping around the footwell and risk your pedals getting stuck. Hence, having a car mat with an anti-slip function can help you to avoid injuries or accidents.
Material of the car mats - Car mats can be made up of different materials such as rubber, PVC, or carpet. You can choose the material based on your personal preference. For example, if your place is more to a rainy season and you want to prevent liquids and mud from spilling over the car, rubber car mats can be your choice. Or, if you want your car mats that are light, easy to be cleaned and fast drying, PVC car mats can be your option.
Cost -It's essential to consider the cost when purchasing replacement car mats. You should determine a budget before making a purchase to ensure you don't overspend. The cost of car mats can vary based on the material, quality, and size of the mat. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not be the best quality, so try to strike a balance between price and quality.
Durability - A good car mat should be durable and long-lasting, able to withstand wear and tear, and the harsh weather conditions. Make sure to check the material and the thickness of the mat to ensure it can withstand heavy use.
Cleaning and Maintenance - Car mats can get dirty quickly, especially during bad weather conditions. Therefore, it's essential to choose a car mat that is easy to clean and maintain. Rubber and PVC mats are easier to clean than carpet mats, which require more effort to clean.
Brand and Warranty - It's always advisable to purchase car mats from a reputable brand that offers a warranty. A warranty will give you peace of mind that you are buying a quality product that the manufacturer stands behind.
In conclusion, replacement car mats are essential in protecting the interior of your car and ensuring your safety while driving. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and select the best car mats for your vehicle.