This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

For more information, please visit our website.

Troubleshooter: Are floor liners worth it?

Floor liners do offer more protection than conventional mats, but often at a price

Photo by Handout

Jeep

What’s so special about floor liners?

Floor liners are molded to fit tightly due to a manufacturing process that begins with a digital scan of a vehicle’s interior. This data is used to create a computer model that captures every curve, corner, and contour of the floor. The result is a heavy-duty, one-piece waterproof rubber liner that extends high on the firewall behind the pedals, up the sides of the floor, and even over the driveline tunnel if the vehicle has rear seats. Their tight fit prevents movement and, in most cases, provides complete protection for the carpeting and any electronics or wiring hidden beneath it from moisture and salt.

Are floor liners really worth it?

Yes, although they come at a premium cost— a full set from WeatherTech, for example, ranges from $250 to $300— this is a fraction of the cost required to replace factory carpet or to repair any damage to underlying equipment. Additionally, there's the advantage of maintaining a showroom-clean floor by simply removing the liners occasionally for a quick rinse. You will also save on cleaning supplies and effort needed to tackle things like stubborn salt stains.

What are the downsides to floor liners?

Some front liners come equipped with holes that align with the factory mat hooks attached to the floor carpet. The liners don’t necessarily need these hooks to stay in place, but they're included to prevent the hooks from lifting the liner. In extreme moisture situations, such as heavy winters, these holes can still lead to small salt stains and water intrusion. A dab of flexible silicone caulking can prevent this issue without needing to remove the liners for cleaning. Some liner kits include caps for vehicles that lack carpet hooks.

Another issue with lower quality liners is that edges may warp, preventing a tight fit. If this occurs at the front edge of the driver’s side liner, it can interfere with the accelerator pedal. Often, temporarily weighing down the affected area with a heavy object, particularly in direct sunlight, can resolve this. Alternatively, gluing a thin plastic reinforcement strip to the back of the warped edge can also help.

Recently, FCA announced a specific issue with certain Mopar liners for the Ram pickup. Some driver’s side liners possess a raised section that may obstruct the accelerator pedal, prompting a safety recall. While replacements are in preparation, dealers have been instructed to trim the offending area as a temporary solution.

Are WeatherTech FloorLiners Really Worth It?

Do the custom-fit, high-end car mats warrant their prices?

Many automotive enthusiasts regard WeatherTech as the benchmark for interior protection, particularly their renowned FloorLiners. Yet, budget-conscious consumers question how these products compare to the lesser alternatives available at retailers like Wal-Mart.

The News Wheel recently evaluated a set of WeatherTech FloorLiners made for a Hyundai Elantra. After a detailed examination, we found that these FloorLiners lived up to their esteemed reputation.

How do WeatherTech FloorLiners work?

Unlike other aftermarket mats, WeatherTech employs advanced DigitalFit technology to accurately scan and measure the interior of every vehicle, including specific year and body type (e.g., coupe vs. sedan). This data allows designers to create liners uniquely suited to each vehicle's footwell, using durable, high-density materials.

To install, simply remove original cloth mats and clean the floor before fitting the replacement liners. The liners fit into the same anchors as the original mats. FloorLiners rise to cover the sides of the footwell, preventing mud, water, and dirt from penetrating underneath, which could damage the carpet permanently.

Are WeatherTech FloorLiners really that good?

While it seems logical for work vehicles and off-roaders to use WeatherTech FloorLiners, they might not seem essential for your everyday urban sedan or suburban crossover. I believed this until I noticed how significantly WeatherTech FloorLiners helped keep my vehicle clean.

Even heavy-duty mats can allow water and dirt to slip underneath, which becomes evident during a vacuuming session. When we removed the WeatherTech FloorLiners from the Hyundai Elantra, there was no more dirt beneath them than at installation.

The main critique I’ve encountered regarding WeatherTech FloorLiners is that, despite claims of a snug fit against the sides of the footwell, gaps can still exist. When I fitted these liners, I did observe small spaces on the sides initially. However, over the month of use, they gradually settled into position, and those gaps effectively closed. Thus, unless you leave your car door wide open during inclement weather, dirt should not become a concern.

WeatherTech vs. heavy-duty OEM floor mats: Which are better?

If you tend to prefer products directly from your vehicle's OEM, you may hesitate to purchase from third-party manufacturers like WeatherTech. In my own experience with the Hyundai Veloster, I opted for OEM mats over WeatherTech FloorLiners, allowing me to compare both options.

Heavy-duty OEM rubber mats are thicker and heavier than liners, providing cushioning and preventing slide. While they offer better protection than original carpeted mats, they fall short in shielding against spills, dust, and debris— especially behind the pedals and along the sill plate. Only WeatherTech FloorLiners deliver that level of protection.

As one reviewer stated, "They’re not mats; they’re a second interior lining for your car." Once installed, they effectively become the new improved footwell.

WeatherTech FloorLiners are a must-have for anyone eager to protect their vehicle's interior and simplify cleanup.

To save money, purchase WeatherTech FloorLiners for any vehicle through PartCatalog, which guarantees the lowest prices and offers free shipping.

If you want to learn more, please ShunDe or feel free to contact us regarding xpe car mat roll.