Do I Need To Replace My Car Mats?
When To Replace Your Car Mats
Despite its humble appearance, the car mat plays an important role in protecting the vehicle’s floor from the dangers of dirt, wear, and corrosion -– this helps to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of a car. However, because these mats are used daily, they often get worn down easily and needs to be replaced over time. The good news? With proper care, you’ll be able to spot when to replace your car mats to keep the vehicle in tip-top shape.
Signs To Look Out For
Once your mat hits the one-year mark, it’s time to begin looking for signs of ageing. Most rubber mats have a one-year usage lifespan, especially if they’ve been heavily used on a daily basis. Hence, car owners with mats that have been used for a one year or more should pay special attention to the following telltale signs, which would help to indicate when a mat is due for replacement.
Unsightly Physical Appearances
Unsightly physical appearances are one of the first telltale signs if a mat needs replacement or not. Do take note that not all negative physical appearances require immediate replacement; some appearances such as faded colours and fraying could simply serve as a good gauge as to how much time the mat has left.
However, certain physical appearances such as the appearance of mould can serve as warnings for immediate replacement. This is especially dangerous as mould releases spores that may trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, to the driver and passengers. Such complications may further develop in passengers who are especially prone to respiratory illnesses, or who are of old age.
It Becomes Slippery
To a certain extent, all car mats are equipped with anti-slippery mechanisms, as traction is essential in providing the driver with a firm and stable ground when driving. A car mat that has begun to slip around indicates that either the rubber backing has begun to wear off, the eyelet has broken off or the hook has begun to pull on the carpet. This may pose a potential hindrance to the brake and accelerator, which may cause the driver to lose control of his vehicle when driving. Additionally, having slippery mats run the risk of exposing the carpet lining underneath to dirt, grime and physical damage that is supposed to be covered by the mat.
It Doesn’t Cover The Carpet Lining Fully
If you’ve ever purchased a universal car mat, you’ve probably encountered certain mats that are unable to cover the carpet area fully. Similar to having slippery or mats with holes, car mats that are too small exposes the carpet lining underneath to external dirt, grime and liquid spillage. This is not ideal, as carpet linings are way more troublesome and costly to replace.
Curled or Lifted Edges
Car mats are designed to provide a stable surface for the vehicle owners by gripping tightly onto the carpet lining –– hence, mats with curled or lifted edges is another clear indicator of wear and tear. Similar to slippery car mats, mats who have begun to lift could interfere with the driver’s momentum, which may result in a momentary loss of control over the brake and accelerator pedals. Plus, if your floor mats have begun scrunching up together, it probably means that that mat does not fit the car interior well or has lost its durability.
Appearance of Holes
If your floor mat has significant holes in it, it’s probably about time to get rid of it. Car mats are supposed to protect your car’s carpet lining from physical damage, as carpet linings are often trickier and harder to replace than car mats. Additionally, because the flooring contains multiple electrical wirings, having a hole in the car mat could potentially expose your car to unprecedented danger.
Furthermore, these holes could pose an interference in driving. Most drivers pivot on their heels when switching between brake and gas pedals, hence a hole may cause their heel to be stuck by accident. This may also result in a loss of control, which could put the lives of both the driver and passenger in danger.
It Has a Strong Odour
Another telltale sign of wear and tear is if bad odours have begun to develop from the mat. Foul odours are usually linked to things going bad, such as decay, the presence of mould, or the overheating of the catalytic converter. Regardless of the reason, you should probably change your car mat immediately once it begins to stink. Prolonging it would cause the foul smell to linger in your car, which could potentially invite the presence of pests (such as cockroaches, ants, etc). No one wants their car to smell bad, right?
It Is No Longer Effective
Car mats are primarily used to protect the carpet lining from physical damage. If you’ve begun to notice dirt and grime trapped at the bottom of the mat, or on the surface of the carpet lining, your car mat is no longer effective and useful as it is supposed to be. Additionally, as wear and tear begin to set in, so does the accumulation and hardening of dirt and grime. Spending more time and effort in cleaning the car mats is another indicator that your car mats are no longer as useful as they once were.
You Want To Freshen Up Your Car
A little can go a long way! Changing your car mat or adding car accessories are great and inexpensive ways to spruce up the look of your car interior. The look and feel of a fresh car mat are bound to give your long driving trips a good refresher, too.
Furthermore, this is a great tip for anyone who is looking to sell their car soon. First impressions are especially crucial for the car market, hence you’d want to make your car as presentable as possible before putting it up for sale. Purchasing a new car mat can help sharpen the look of your vehicle, giving it a new and stylish look that’s bound to send any potential car buyers your way.
Conclusion
Once you’ve spotted any signs of wear and tear, don’t hesitate to change your car mat immediately –– prevention is always better than a cure! Educate yourself and practise proper car maintenance regularly, and you’re guaranteed to be protected from the dangers of overwork and improper car mats.
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Published: 07-Feb-2021
Author: Colin Watson
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