Every February, about one in three customers who gets behind the wheel for a test drive at our workshop steps straight into a puddle in the driver's footwell. Snow, salt, water from your shoes – it all ends up on the floor mat. And that's exactly why I want to talk to you about rubber vs carpet car mats. If the mat can't hold that water, the moisture starts working its way down. First it soaks into the carpet, then the insulation underneath, and sometimes it reaches the metal floor of the car itself. All because of something so small that you probably never give it a second thought. Your floor mats.
Why is water underneath your car's carpet so dangerous?
Underneath your car's carpet is a thick layer of insulation that soaks up water like a sponge. The trouble is, you can't just pull it out and dry it as easily as a floor mat. Sometimes it takes weeks to dry properly. And while you're waiting, the problems begin:
- Your windows start misting up on the inside. You wipe them clear, and a few minutes later they're misted up again.
- The cabin starts smelling damp, and eventually that damp smell turns into mould.
- Water and salt slowly eat away at the metal floor from the inside. Right where nobody ever thinks to look.
- On many models, there are wiring looms and electronic control modules underneath the seats and carpet. And believe me, electronics really don't like water.
Rubber vs carpet car mats: which should you choose?
I always tell our customers to have both. Each type has its own season, and that's when it does its job best.
- Rubber mats are for winter. Their raised edges catch the water and salt, and when they get dirty, a quick rinse with the hose has them clean in a minute. Genuine mats fit the floor of your particular model perfectly, even covering the area underneath the pedals.
- Keep your carpet mats for the rest of the year. They look nicer, they're quieter, they trap dust and they make the interior feel more comfortable. But once the snow and salt arrive, they quickly turn into wet sponges.
At Das Auto Service, we recommend having two sets. Put the rubber mats in around November, then pack them away in March and bring your carpet mats back out. Simple as that. You'll keep your car's floor dry, and your carpet mats will last much longer too.
Why am I so particular about genuine floor mats?
It's not about the logo, my friend. It's about keeping you safe. A universal floor mat can slide around, and that's dangerous on the driver's side. Imagine it slipping forwards and getting caught underneath the accelerator or brake pedal. You need to press the pedal all the way down, but the mat is stopping you. Why take that risk?
The driver's floor mat must always be secured to the fixing points in the floor. And never, ever put one floor mat on top of another.
Genuine floor mats clip straight onto the fixing points and stay exactly where they should. They're also shaped to fit the floor of your particular model. That keeps the water on the mat instead of letting it run down the sides and soak into the carpet.
How should you look after your floor mats?
- When salt starts building up on your rubber mats, take them out, shake off the dirt and give them a proper rinse. Over time, salt makes the rubber harden.
- Before putting them back in the car, let them dry thoroughly.
- If the floor underneath your mats is already wet, take the mats out and leave the car somewhere warm with the doors open. Or bring it to us and we'll dry out the insulation. Just don't leave the moisture trapped underneath, because things will start to rot.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Change your floor mats with the seasons, just like you change your tyres. A set of rubber mats costs less than replacing a water-damaged electronic control module underneath the seat. And you're protecting more than just the electronics. You're protecting the actual floor of your car, too. That's not something you can simply replace.
I hope your feet stay dry this winter, and the floor of your car stays even drier. If you've found this helpful, share the article with your friends.
What you'll find in our shop
Audi Q5 FY front rubber floor mats
Genuine front rubber floor mats for the Audi Q5 FY. Raised edges and secure fittings for the factory floor fixing points.
View in our shop
Audi Q3 F3 front rubber floor mats
Genuine front rubber floor mats for the Audi Q3 F3.
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Audi A3 8V front rubber floor mats
Genuine front rubber floor mats for the Audi A3 8V.
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Audi Q5 FY front carpet floor mats
Genuine front carpet floor mats for the Audi Q5 FY. Perfect for spring and summer.
View in our shopRead more
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Frequently asked questions
Are rubber or carpet car mats better?
It depends on the season, my friend. In winter, go for rubber mats – they hold the water and salt. For the rest of the year, you can happily use your carpet mats.
Why does the driver's floor mat need to be secured?
Because if it isn't clipped in place, it could slide under the pedals and stop you from braking or accelerating properly. Always check that it's securely fastened.
What should I do if the floor underneath my car mat is wet?
Please don't leave it like that. Dry out the carpet and the insulation underneath, but also find out where the water is coming from. Otherwise, it'll just get wet again, and before long you'll have mould and corrosion to deal with.