If you appreciate class-leading safety, the newest technological innovations, standout design, and a car that turns heads, chances are you have a Volvo parked in the driveway. The company is a reasonable alternative to the Germans in the contended high-end luxury market, but distinctive enough to be instantly recognisable, both inside and out. Interiors are where the Swedish brand leads the pack, with the abundant use of classy materials, unmatched build, simple but practical designs, and all the tech you'd ever want.
To keep things looking new, a few additions go a long way in protecting the carpet from stains and smells. Mats are often the overlooked options when configuring your perfect car, but they play a vital role. If you've missed out on dealer offers, bespoke Volvo floor mats are easy to find in the materials, designs and colour schemes that best suit your car.
Why The Need for Floor Mats?
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| Source: weathertechshop.eu |
Floor mats do a few things well. They keep away stains and dirt, add more safety, protect the carpet underneath and up your Volvo's value. The probability of dirt, mud, dust and other debris accumulating in the car is high, so a Volvo car mat will protect the underlay, while also preventing spills, stains and unpleasant odours from spoiling the ride. Mats additionally remove the risk of expensive repairs to carpet, or any issues resulting from built-up dirt or moisture. Most include non-slip and textured surfaces as a necessary safety feature, particularly with the added inserts for drivers. And with Volvo mats offered in custom sizes, the mats sit nicely in the floor wells, without attracting too much attention.
What Works for My Car?
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| Source: vivaperformance.com |
When buying Volvo floor mats, materials, sizes, and something easy to clean should be your priorities.
Material Options
Natural and synthetic rubber and rubber blends are the most common materials used in car floor mats. They are durable and waterproof, with many designs now having textured grooves to trap dust particles and liquids. Rubber holds up well in humid climates and high temperatures, is easy to clean and should last for years. The material is inherently non-slip, comfy and ideal for longer journeys. Upscale rubber mats can be optioned in multiple colours, and some even come with contrasting lining for more visual appeal. Going with Volvo's drive for sustainability, look for recycled rubber variants if you're keen on doing your part.
Carpet mats are the traditional choice if you own an older Volvo, but these have largely been replaced by more recent options. The carpet is often a mix of synthetic fibres, either in a loop or cut-pile design, soft to the touch, and generally long-lasting. The material though struggles to contain larger spills and dust particles, so loses its good looks quickly. Carpet mats are additionally a pain to clean, pick up scratches easily, and will fade during longer exposure to the sun.
Vinyl and PVC is a cheaper, lighter, and less durable alternative to rubber. Mats in these materials are adequate in containing spills and stains, being waterproof and simple to maintain, but can deform or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, over time, the mats can start to give off bad odours.
Less common options are velour mats, which resemble carpet in looks but do better at containing dust and debris, and leather and faux leather mats that match seats in the same materials and colour schemes.
Maintenance and Cleaning
You'll want something easy to clean in the least amount of time. Rubber mats need a good shake, followed by a decent pressure wash and then hung to dry. More stubborn stains are removed with warm water, soap and a brush. The same applies to vinyl types, just be gentler to prevent damage. Carpet and fabric variants need more attention, often several passes of a vacuum, and the same water and soap solution to get out ingrained dust. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners for obvious reasons.
Custom vs Universal Mats
Fitting a Volvo car mat can be a matter of seconds or something you'll struggle with due to the mats being the wrong cut and size. If you want the best fit, mats that fit snugly with the rest of the car, and remain put once installed, then custom variants are the way to go. These provide the most comfort, sit seamlessly with the underlay, and won't wrinkle or curl up. Custom-fit types might cost extra, but worth every cent. They're safer, easier to get in and out of the car, easier to clean, and won't look out of place.
Universal mats are a one-size-fits-all option. They may not work best in your Volvo, will struggle with protecting the floor from debris and liquids, being either too small or too big, can slip or get damaged, and spoil the overall upscale interior of a high-end car. Save your cash and go for custom-fit types instead.
Car Mat Features
Look for distinctive features that up protection, safety and looks. Lining with thicker and higher side walls does a better job of protecting the car from collecting debris and dust. The same can be said of patented grooves and textures that double to provide secure footing. Additionally, the lining can add more visual cues with contrast stitching matching details in the rest of the vehicle.
To add to the non-slip upper layer (and separate driver insert), improved designs also include embossed undersides that are easy on the underlay, while preventing movement. This is further improved with matching clips.
Lastly, choose mats in the right colour. Rubber blends are now available in dozens of colour schemes apart from traditional black or grey, so come close to the carpet and vinyl options, with more variety to meet individual tastes.
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