The Best Investment For A Superior Interior

It’s no secret that PEI winters are tough on vehicles. Ice and slush do their best to force you off the road, while other vehicles are throwing stones and gravel at your hood and windshield. No matter how safe you play it, winter is coming. 

And the worst part is, it doesn’t stop there. Winter elements will slowly but surely creep into your vehicle, but this year, we have a solution. We’re going to help you fight winter from the ground up!

You probably haven’t spent much time thinking about how to protect your vehicle’s floor, and... we don’t blame you. It’s one of those things that tends to fly under the radar until there’s an issue. But when it comes to protecting the interior of your vehicle, floor mats and liners are one of the best investments you can make.

Floor mats and liners are designed to keep your vehicle’s carpet in its original state - clean, dry, and intact. This protective layer can be the difference between carpet that looks like new, or a number of problems ranging from rust to mold. Here are some of the primary benefits mats and liners bring to the table.

Why Mats and Liners Are Worth Your While

- Mats and liners can improve the look of your vehicle’s interior while keeping your floor free of dirt, debris, and moisture, which would otherwise end up trapped in your vehicle’s carpet. 

- They’re easy to clean, saving you time and elbow grease, along with money spent on cleaning materials. Rubber or synthetic liners can be quickly hosed down, while most carpet mats are machine washable. 

- Deep grooves and channels help guide liquid away from your feet, keeping you warm and dry all winter long. 

- Mats and liners will put a stop to any moisture seeping into or even below your vehicle’s carpet. This can lead to problems like mold and mildew, a rusty floor pan, or even damage to electrical wiring hidden beneath your feet.

- Finally, floor mats protect not only your vehicle’s interior, but its resale value as well. Being able to uncover immaculate carpet from below your mats shows a potential buyer a higher level of care and consideration that dealerships and purchasers alike will notice and appreciate. 

Now that you know what floor mats and liners can do for you, it’s time to start thinking about how to choose the perfect fit for your vehicle. There are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration, but before we get there, we need to walk you through the difference between floor mats and floor liners. 

Mats vs. Liners

Floor mats and liners serve the same purpose, but with differing levels of efficiency and coverage. 

Floor mats are readily available in a variety of pre-made sizes and styles. Their universal fit helps lower manufacturing costs, keeping their price point low, while also making them easier to reposition as they don’t have to lock perfectly in place when installed. Mats tend to be more malleable and flexible than liners, but that comes at the cost of using less durable materials. 

Floor liners are custom designed using a digital scan of your vehicle to ensure they follow each and every of your vehicle’s contours while providing complete coverage.This leaves nothing to chance when it comes to weathering the elements or accidental spills. They have higher edges that collect and trap liquid on its surface, saving your carpet from overflow or seepage. In fact, floor liners can hold up to eight cups of fluid! Their underside also comes equipped with a series of hooks that will keep them fastened in place, so there’s no need to worry about them sliding around while you drive. Liners tend to be the better choice in areas with harsh winters, and the good news is they’re built to last. Your first set of liners will likely be the last set you’ll ever need until you upgrade your vehicle.

Before you rush out to purchase your floor protection, keep these last few tips in mind.

What to Look For

- Choose a product that has high edges for fuller coverage.

- Pay attention to the bottom - look for options that have some sort of hook that can be attached to the vehicle floor to hold it in place.

- Keep an eye on thickness - the thicker the mat the more liquid it can absorb which can make it harder to clean, BUT this can provide more cushioning for your feet.

- What material are they made of? Carpet is great if you’d like an option you can throw in your washer, but not ideal for keeping things dry. 

Whether you decide to go with floor mats or liners, you’ll be thankful for the added layer of protection and comfort. And if you’d really like to treat yourself this holiday season, our service departments recommend WeatherTech FloorLiners. These “top of the liners” have been around since 1989 and are laser cut for perfect precision and protection. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you keep your interior looking superior!