Universal-fit Mats Tested

Taking care of your carpet is key for a car. Here is how to do it, plus we test the best mat sets...

Auto Express Car Reviews

August 2010

As the cost of motoring continues to rise, few people can afford not to maximise their car’s value when they sell. While a comprehensive service history is a good start, it doesn’t tell the whole story – as a tired interior can really hit the price.

As with seats, a threadbare, ripped or faded carpet is going to put off prospective buyers, especially when replacements cost hundreds. You can renew sections direct from the manufacturer, but we spoke to one maker that wanted £340 for replacing a worn carpet – and that’s before adding labour. Even if you don’t plan to sell your current vehicle any time soon, a shabby interior can dull your driving experience.

If anything, cleaning carpets is more important than seats because grit is deposited by shoes and can accelerate damage to fibres when ground in. Use a stiff brush to lift the grit from the carpet and remove with a vacuum cleaner. Our current test winner is the Combipowervac from Earlex – or if getting mains power to the car is tricky, Dyson’s DC31 is a good, if pricey, cordless option.

With the grit, crumbs and mud removed, use your hand to check corners and sills for damp. Any sign of water could mean a leak either from above, such as a failed windscreen seal, or below, through rust or damage. Both need dealing with quickly to avoid permanent damage to the carpet, which can rot and begin to smell.

Once grit-free, the carpet can be cleaned. Most makers combine their carpet and upholstery cleaners, although some, such as Halfords, have a specific version for the less delicate carpet.

We’ve had good results with Comma’s Interior Cleaner. If your car is a workhorse and regularly carries tools, materials or simply rubbish for the dump, a boot protector can take the abuse and leave your carpet pristine underneath. You can choose from a simple thick rubber mat or a tray specifically formed for your car, such as our test-winning Autoform at a reasonable £34.99.

In the footwell, similar protection is provided by a set of universal-fit mats. Many cars come with tailored mats, but it can be cheaper to use an aftermarket set, then replace the as-new originals when you decide to flog your motor. So which will keep your car looking factory fresh? We put 12 top sellers through a gruelling test to find out.

The Test

Fit, durability and ease of cleaning were our key criteria. We tested our mats in the driver’s side of three cars, and looked for adjustment options as well as fit. We then got in and out of each vehicle five times to ensure the mats stayed in place. To test durability, we repeatedly rubbed a boot heel into each and then looked for any signs of marking.

Chocolate, margarine and cola were applied to each mat, then cleaned (with limited wiping and spray) to see which was the easiest to smarten up. Our final criteria was price, although the costs we have quoted do not include any delivery charges.

Verdict

Top of the pile was the ultra-durable Cannon Profile III Classic. It was easy to clean and is a good price. It was a close fight for second, but the Michelin All Weather set secured it – the symmetrical mats can be adjusted for any vehicle, and the pack is good value. Our preference for rubber designs and a good price saw the Ring Automotive RM85 Weather Shield claim the final podium place.

Contacts
Autoform 01539 621884 www.roofbox.co.uk
Argos 0845 640 3030 www.argos.co.uk
Cannon 020 8275 6000 www.cannoncarmats.co.uk
Comma 01474 564311 www.commaoil.com
Dyson 01666 827 200 www.dyson.co.uk
Halfords/Ripspeed 0845 762 6625 www.halfords.com
Michelin 01980 676400 www.caeurope.co.uk
Ring Automotive 0113 213 2000 www.ringautomotive.co.uk
Sakura 01488 689400 www.saxon-brands.com