Rubber vs. Carpet Floor Mats: Making The Perfect Decision

Weighing up your car mat’s material is one of the savviest things you can do. And when it comes to choosing a car mat, rubber vs carpet is the usual debate. Are rubber car mats better than carpet? As a general rule, rubber cleans easier and proves more durable. But it does depend on what you are looking for.

Hold fire on any rash decisions and immediate judgments; this guide will direct you toward the best mat material for you.

Why Car Mats Matter

Your car mat is a one-way ticket to a long-lasting, smart-looking vehicle. Forget the fancy paint jobs and modifications, the most wear and tear cars get is underfoot (assuming you’re a good driver).

All it takes is stepping in mud or a puddle, and you’ve introduced dampness to its interior. And apart from the visible muck, our shoes are filthy, carrying up to 421,000 units of bacteria on the sole of one shoe. If you want your vehicle to last, a mat is a must.

The Pros & Cons of Rubber vs Carpet Floor Mats

Are rubber or carpet car mats better? You can’t get around this comparison when picking a car mat; rubber vs carpet material is the ultimate decision. It’s the sort of question that everyone has their own opinion on. We’ll keep it brutally factual for you — here are the pros and cons.

Pros: Rubber Car Floor Mats

• Mud-resistant

• Durable

• Can clean with a hose pipe or a simple wipe

Cons: Rubber Car Floor Mats

• Has a distinctive smell in hot weather

• Heavier to lift

• Tough underfoot

Pros: Carpet Floor Car Mats

• Aesthetically pleasing

• Light to lift

• Soft underfoot

Cons: Carpet Floor Car Mats

• Lose attractiveness after as little as five to six washes

• Quickly accumulate a smell by absorbing water, dirt, and bacteria

• More complex to wash

What About Maintenance?

When choosing car floor mats, rubber vs carpet maintenance is an intelligent consideration. Carpet takes longer to dry and isn’t typically suitable for washing machines because of delicate detailing. You’ll have to wash it by hand and let it air dry.

In contrast, rubber is waterproof, so it requires less frequent washing. Furthermore, when it is necessary, you can either wipe it down or jet it with a hose. Rubber dries quickly, and you can even just wipe it down with a towel.

Rubber is much easier to maintain than carpet. If you plan on heavy usage, rubber is a better car mat choice.

Are There Other Car Mats Materials to Choose?

Yes, there are other car mat materials you can choose. Have you heard of EVA? If not, we’re about to throw you a curveball in your rubber mats vs carpet mats debate because you actually have a third option. Here at Prime EVA, our mats are made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a newly devised thermoplastic for you and your car.

EVA has zero smell — forget that hot rubber stench in summer — and is a lightweight yet resilient material choice. It’s the ideal balance between durable rubber and easy-to-handle carpet. Plus, we offer custom fittings. Just check out our VW car mats.

In Summary: How To Decide On Your New Car Mat

When choosing car mats, carpet vs rubber isn’t the only debate to consider — don’t just pigeon-hole yourself into two options. We can’t wave a magic wand and tell you to pick rubber floor mats vs carpet, as it entirely depends on your activities and lifestyle. Here’s a quick recap:

• Carpet can appear more luxurious, is soft underfoot, and is light to lift (although it requires more care to clean). It’s ideal for light usage, e.g., for simple commutes to work in the city.

• Rubber is much more durable; you can simply rinse it with a hose or wipe when necessary. Waterproof and highly protective, it’s the best option for anyone who frequents their vehicle in muddy boots.

• EVA is preferable if you want a blend of both; a mat with zero smell, waterproofness, and lighter than rubber to lift.

Another essential factor to consider when picking a car floor mat material is how well it fits. An ill-fitting mat is worse than nothing at all, as it allows liquids and dirt to slip underneath, trapping bacteria in optimal conditions. Gross. If you can, choose custom-fit mats to avoid this predicament.

Lastly, remember to have fun with it! You shouldn’t just ask, “Are rubber floor mats better than carpet”. Instead, ask yourself what your dream car interior would look like. How will your car mat be an extension of your personality? Find a choice you love.