Car mats are known as a great all round longevity and convenience accessory for your car due to their durability, custom fit, and ability to protect your car’s interior from dirt, moisture, and wear. However, one common issue some car owners face is their mats sliding around once installed.
It is a known fact that “Sudden Unintended Acceleration” (SUA) can be caused by mats that get trapped on-top of your pedals, likewise, trapped underneath and you cannot stop either! Recently Tesla and Toyota even had a global recall because they identified that their car floor mats trapped the accelerator, which could be causation of an accident.
It is known that generic carpet mats and flexing rubber car mats move around your car, once dirt gets underneath, this accelerates the movement. At the end of your driving you will often see you car mat push up one side, as you move your feet around the footwell, this is really not a good sign, particularly if the mat is shifting forwards.
Is this a problem, well it's certainly unintentionally dangerous, but if you're experiencing this problem, don't worry — there are several simple solutions to keep your car mats securely in place.
First, buy a custom-fit more durable and robust car mat, one that has high sides, and underneath grips, with fixation studs. These together will solve your problem, so car floor mats from WeatherTech, Husky, Walser, Fogram proline will all be better options, but here are some more tips to ensure this challenge goes away!
Some manufacturers have additional combined floor mats (WeatherTech's Over-the-Hump) is a good example particularly for the 2nd row, which prevents movement even more.
1. Clean the Floor Surface
A dirty or slippery floor surface can prevent the mats from gripping properly. Before placing the mats, remove the factory standard floor mats and vacuum the car floor and wipe it down with a mild cleaning solution to remove dust, debris, and oils. Make sure the surface is completely dry before installing the mats.
2. Ensure Proper Installation
The first step to preventing your mats from sliding is making sure they're installed correctly. WeatherTech mats are designed to fit snugly to your car’s floor contours. Follow these steps:
- Remove any old mats before installing your 3D mats.
- Ensure that you remove your mats from the packaging and lay them flat for 24 hours (if you want the best result), so they can reshape.
- Align the mats with the floor’s contours.
- Use any built-in retention hooks or clips that came with your mats. These are specifically designed to anchor the mats in place.
3. Use Anti-Slip Pads or Grips
If your mats are still sliding, consider adding anti-slip pads underneath. These adhesive rubber or silicone pads create additional friction between the mat and the floor, helping to keep the mats from shifting.
4. Velcro Strips or Double-Sided Tape
Velcro strips or double-sided carpet tape can offer an easy DIY solution. Apply the adhesive side of the Velcro or tape to the bottom of the mat and press firmly onto the car’s floor. This method provides a strong grip without damaging your car’s interior.
5. WeatherTech MAPGrip Accessories
WeatherTech offers their own line of MAPGrip accessories designed to prevent sliding. These grips are designed to work with WeatherTech floor mats, providing a more secure attachment to the car’s carpeted floor.
6. Regular Maintenance
Over time, dirt and moisture can build up under the mats, reducing grip. Regularly remove your mats, clean both the mats and the floor, and reinstall them to maintain their effectiveness. Try using WeatherTechs car cleaning products.
Conclusion
Keeping your car mats from sliding doesn’t have to be a hassle. By ensuring proper installation, cleaning the floor surface, and using additional anti-slip accessories, you can maintain both the appearance and functionality of your car’s interior.
But it will always be challenging for carpet and thin rubber mats, as they have no in-built shape or form to hold firm, in the contours of the car footwell. The same goes with cut-2-fit, although better, they are still too flexible to sit firmly in place.
So, try these tips to keep your mats secure and enjoy the lasting protection WeatherTech mats provide.