You open the boot, and what do you find? Spilt milk, mud from the kids' boots or a scratched boot sill from dragging a suitcase across it. Sound familiar? That's why I always recommend protecting your boot with an Audi boot liner. The trouble is, you can't simply take out the original boot carpet and wash it like an ordinary mat. And believe me, when the day comes to sell your car, the condition of the boot says a lot about how well you've looked after it.
Audi boot liner: rubber tray or carpet mat?
- A rubber boot tray has raised edges that stop spills reaching the carpet underneath. Take it out, rinse it with a hose and put it back. Job done! It's especially handy in winter, whether you're carrying shopping, taking the dog out or loading your sports gear.
- A carpet boot mat looks nicer and is quieter. But there's one drawback – it absorbs anything you spill, and cleaning it afterwards is much harder.
Personally, I'd fit a rubber boot tray if you use your boot regularly. The genuine Audi tray is shaped specifically for your model's boot. It fits snugly and won't slide around every time you take a corner.
How can you protect your boot sill?
Just think how many times you drag suitcases, pushchairs and boxes over the edge of your boot. That's usually where the paintwork starts getting scratched first. And the solution is so simple – clear protective film or a special boot sill protector. Fit it, and you can load your boot without worrying. Years later, when you decide to sell the car, you'll be glad you protected that sill before the damage was done.
How can you stop things rolling around in the boot?
- A luggage net is the easiest way to keep smaller items together. No more chasing them from one side of the boot to the other after every corner.
- A folding shopping box is brilliant for bottles and bags. It keeps them upright, and when you don't need it, you simply fold it away. It takes up hardly any space.
Never leave heavy items loose in the boot. If you brake sharply, they can fly forwards into the rear seatbacks. Always secure them properly. We're not just talking about keeping the boot tidy here. We're talking about your safety.
How can you keep your boot clean and dry?
- Take the rubber tray out and wash it whenever sand and road salt build up. Especially after winter.
- Dry it thoroughly before putting it back. Otherwise, moisture gets trapped between the tray and the original boot carpet.
- Check the boot drains and seals. If you lift the tray and find moisture underneath, don't ignore it. Find out where the water is getting in.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: A rubber boot tray, protective film for the boot sill and a luggage net could save you from having to get the boot professionally cleaned. My advice is to fit them while the car is still new. That way, even years down the line, your boot can still look almost as good as it did on day one.
The boot is one of those places we rarely think about until something gets spilt or we notice scratches on the sill. Yet keeping it in good condition is so easy. I hope I've helped you look after yours. If I have, send this article to a friend who drives an Audi too.
Find the right products in our shop
Genuine rubber boot tray for the Audi A1, with raised edges to contain spills.
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Boot sill protective film for Audi A3 Sportback / A3 Sportback e-tron (2017–2020)
Protective film for the boot sill of the Audi A3 Sportback (2017–2020).
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Boot sill protector mat for Audi A1 (8X)
Protective boot sill mat for Audi that prevents scratches when loading the boot.
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Luggage net for Audi Q7 from 2016 onwards
Luggage net for the Audi Q7 from 2016 onwards, helping you secure items in the boot.
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Audi folding boot storage box – 32 litres
Audi folding boot storage box with a capacity of 32 litres.
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- Everything for your boot in our shop
- Rubber or carpet mats: which protect better against salt and water?
- Roof box: how much weight can I carry?
- Boot organisers: keeping things tidy when shopping and travelling
- Carrying skis in your car: ski bag, holder or roof box?
Frequently asked questions
Audi boot liner: rubber tray or carpet mat?
If you often carry shopping, wet or dirty things, go for a rubber boot tray. It catches spills and is easy to wash. A carpet mat looks nicer, but it soaks up liquids.
How can I protect my boot sill from scratches?
Fit clear protective film or a special boot sill protector. That way, suitcases and boxes won't scratch the paintwork every time you load the boot.
How can I stop things rolling around in the boot?
Get a luggage net or a folding storage box. Your shopping and smaller items will stay where you put them instead of sliding around the boot every time you take a corner.