This guide is meant to help car and truck owners select and buy rubber car mats. It will help consumers understand the differences between direct and universal car mats and the differences in rubber car mat materials. This article will also explain how to trim car mats and even how to best clean them!
Let's get started: What makes a good rubber mat?
To begin with, most rubber car mats are not really made of rubber. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material, especially at the low end of the market, while synthetic rubber materials like TPR (thermoplastic rubber) dominate the better mat category.
Smack in the middle are rubber mats. Rubber mats can either be virgin rubber (new rubber), recycled rubber, or a blend of both. Rubber has some distinct advantages. It is extremely flexible at high and low temperatures. This prevents rubber mats from shattering (like PVC mats can) at subzero temperatures. Also rubber mats, because of their flexibility, tend to lie down better on your vehicle’s carpeting, in addition to being a sustainable material.
The biggest drawback to real rubber mats is that they smell. Recently when reading car mat reviews on Amazon.com, we noticed smell was in the top 3 complaints from rubber mat buyers. We can tell you from experience that the smell does not dissipate quickly from rubber mats (sometimes never going away). Recycled rubber mats often have a stronger smell than new rubber mats.
Why do some people use rubber mats?
According to our research 59% of rubber mat users want protection from rain, snow, mud, or spills (in that order).
For protection from rain, mud and snow, it is important that the rubber mat have a lip to contain moisture: 
How can I keep my rubber mats from moving?

Be sure to select a rubber mat with sturdy rubber spikes so it stays put.
Why aren’t there many direct fit rubber car mats?
The reason is because many ‘rubber’ mats are injection molded. This requires an investment of US$10,000-$20,000 for a set of molds to manufacture rubber mats. The cost of the molds has made it difficult to offer direct fit rubber mats unless extremely large quantities are ordered. Though some rubber mat suppliers make cleverly designed mats that can be trimmed with scissors for close to a custom fit.
How do I trim my Weather Fortress rubber mat?

Simply use a pair of scissors to trim just outside of the secondary raised lip for a great looking custom fit mat!
How to clean rubber car mats:
We use either car wash or a good general purpose cleaner/degreaser like Formula 409 or Fantastik. Wet the mats with a strong stream of water from a hose. Wash the mats with car wash or spray them with a cleaner/degreaser. Brush the mats with a scrub brush. Hose them off. And lastly, either dry your mats or place them in the sun to dry. For more information, check out the Weather Fortress Rubber Mat Cleaning Video on You Tube.
What about rubber mats for my 4 door car or truck to 'cover the hump'?


Weather Fortress sells long rear mat to ‘cover the hump’ is available in two piece rear set, Long rear mat, 4 piece / 3 piece set.

Long rear mat in a 4 door Dodge Dakota pickup
Weather Fortress Mat Gallery:

2011 Lincoln Town Car
2005 Jeep Wrangler

2005 Chysler Pacifica
