Say Goodbye to Dirt and Debris: Choosing the Best Mat for Your BMW 5 Car

Car mats are one of the most overlooked but important accessories. They're so much more than something you should rest your feet upon. They hold a substantial aesthetic and salubrious value for your BMW 5 and will save your vehicle from dirt, grime, moisture, as well as road salt and so much more. Moreover, mats for most series, including BMW 5, feature rims and walls to catch any spilt liquids or water, making them a top priority for any car owner.

How to Choose the Best Mat for Your BMW 5 Vehicle?

Source: bmw.com

You can invest in a good BMW 5 interior and splurge on new cover seats as much as you like, but with an untreated and dirty floor, your vehicle will still look dusty and worn out. Therefore, protect your car's floor with premium and stylish BMW 5 series car mats that fit like a glove.

However, this doesn't imply that you should just go and get the first car mats for the BMW 5 series that comes to hand. In other words, you shouldn't overlook the bigger picture when making the right selection. For instance, most people don't know that different mats serve different purposes. Some options, on the other hand, fall more in the bracket of longevity and resilience, while others please the eye but sag rapidly. Therefore, keep the following important considerations in mind when purchasing.

Shape and Size

Getting the right shape and size is crucial and nowadays easier than ever. Instead of taking measurements by yourself, although we doubt that anyone does it anymore, it is better to hit the store and tell the shop assistant the type of BMW 5 car you have so he can propose to you the ideal mat. When shopping online you can easily browse whether the desired retailer offers car mats for your vehicle.

Moreover, many manufacturers have the option of custom-made BMW 5 series car mats. This means that besides getting the shape and size that best fits your car, you can further choose the material, colour even the design that goes with your interior. These custom options are pricier than the universal fits, but they will give your car’s interior a next-level look besides providing it with cover and protection.

Material

In terms of material, BMW 5 series floor mats are available in a range of options. Fabric alternatives are the most common as they look attractive, come in a range of colours and designs and are far more affordable than any other type. They have a rubber back to impart anti-skid properties which makes them even more convenient. Their only downside is that they become saggy very fast and have average durability.

Rubber mats, on the other hand, are easy to place, remove and clean. They are durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear for a long time and dispense decent waterproofing features. What's more rubber choices feature a high friction surface which keeps off any slipping. The rubber alternatives are great for people living in humid environments where there is a lot of rain throughout the year. Moreover, their anti-skid and waterproof properties can prevent sliding and serious injuries that arise from it especially if kids and older persons are involved.

Vinyl mats, on the other hand, are known as all-weather mats. These resemble synthetic plastics which makes them durable and affordable. Moreover, they come in a wide range of colours and designs.

The latest and probably one of the highest-end mats are 3D ones. Those concerned with their car's aesthetics as well as good protection and cover usually choose this type. Why? Because they give your car's floor a premium look and finish. They're packed with anti-skid properties and successfully hold up a great amount of water and dirt in their grooves.

Affordability

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The cost of the BMW 5 series car mat you are about to purchase should not be greater than the cost of maintaining the vehicle. This means that you shouldn't settle for a price that doesn't seem right to you. Retailers and manufacturers can sometimes have absurdly high prices for low-quality goods. For that reason, consider high quality and fair cost before making a buy.

Care and Maintenance

Proper and frequent care and maintenance will keep your mats clean and prolong their lifespan. Furthermore, the longer the dirt is on the mat, the more difficult it will be to clean, especially for fabric options. Washing your BMW 5 series mat should be a straightforward process, that’s why you should go for the alternatives that are easy to place, remove and clean. These mats will make it easier for you to remove them from the vehicle, make cleaning easy and look like brand new after using decent shampoo or detergent. You can also use a brush if necessary.

Pay attention to how fast the mat dries when placed in a windy area and whether it will lose colour when left on direct sunlight. Although we don’t recommend you drying the mat on direct sunlight any decent quality mat should dry easy when placed outdoors. 

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How to Choose the Right Mats for Your HR-V

 The way Honda has been producing simple and reliable models lately has been quite impressive but it has also gone under the radar for many people. The same can be said for the HR-V, Honda's subcompact SUV. The new redesign has made it more stylish and its interior, although a lot more minimalistic than before, makes a lot of sense with plenty of physical controls.

The fact that the HR-V has Honda's Sensing suite of active safety technologies is great but the vehicle seems slow especially when it comes to its acceleration. Not all vehicles are made perfect but there is something you can change about your HR-V and that's its boring interior, especially the footwell.

Benefits of Aftermarket Car Mats

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Affordable

An aftermarket accessory of any sort is always more affordable than an OEM one and the same goes for HRV car mats. They are definitely going to cost a lot less than the ones Honda offers as aftermarket Honda HRV floor mats are made for many different HRV models and not just one make.

Maintenance

Depending on the type of mat you go for you can easily make it a lot easier to keep the floor of your HR-V clean. A proper Honda HRV mat will keep the floor clean and it will make it easier to keep the mat clean too as aftermarket mats are usually quite easy to maintain.

Appeal

With new car mats, you can change the interior appeal of your Japanese subcompact SUV. Although it may seem like a small change it can be enough to make your HRV's interior a bit more interesting. Plus you can get another set of mats so you can change the mats from time to time and make things more interesting.

Protection

The primary goal of floor mats is to protect the floor and keep your feet planted on a firm yet comfortable surface. This is exactly what you can get with aftermarket Honda HRV floor mats as long as you know what to look for in one since not all are made the same and thus they don't provide the same qualities.

Types of Car Mats

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Fabric

Knowing what to look for means being aware of what's being offered and one type of car mat that you can find everywhere is a fabric mat. These car mats are the most affordable but also rather easy to clean while being able to retain dust and grime pretty well. Don't expect the same for spills as well as for durability.

Rubber

If you want more durable mats then you should go for ones made of rubber as they are able to retain spills very well and don't wear out nearly as quickly as fabric mats. Rubber mats are easy to clean too but they are a bit heavier than fabric ones which makes replacement a tad more difficult.

Vinyl

Similar to rubber HRV car mats in construction, vinyl mats are more durable, so much so, that they're known as all-weather mats. They also don't emit any strange odours like rubber mats do and can retain spills better than rubber mats alongside being easy to maintain. Vinyl mats also come with a rubber backing that keeps them from moving around.

3D

With 3D mats, you can expect the best coverage when it comes to spills as these mats have high sides which cover part of the centre console and behind the pedals too. They can be on the expensive side but 3D mats make cleaning a walk in the park but they are not made to be used in hot weather like fabric mats.

Nomad

The most modern mats you can go for are nomad or curly mats. These are fabric mats that have thick fibres curled up to make for a soft cushion that can also soak up spills. Nomad mats are also able to retain dust and grime extremely well but they're not as easy to clean as some of the above-mentioned mats such as vinyl and rubber ones.

Basic Mat Maintenance

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Vacuum

Every type of Honda HRV mat no matter what it's made of needs to go some level of cleaning and each one starts with vacuuming. You can go over your mats with a soft brush while vacuuming them especially if they're fabric or curly mats, in order to loosen up the dirt. The same doesn't apply to rubber, vinyl or 3D mats. Once you've collected the dirt and dust it's time to get things wet.

Wash

You can wash your mat with some soapy water if they're rubber, vinyl or 3D but if they're fabric or Nomad mats you should use the right cleaner. Any cleaner will do as long as it's made for fabric mats. Once you apply the solution, rub it in with a sponge to make sure it gets down to the base of the mat. For synthetic HRV car mats, you don't have to rub it in as much.

Dry

Once you've washed your mats, it's best to leave them to dry and then dry them off with a hair dryer or vacuum. For synthetic mats, you can use a hairdryer but it's best that you use a combination of both the vacuum and a hairdryer for fabric ones.

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Driving in Style and Cleanliness: The Ultimate Guide to BMW Floor Mats

BMW has proven to be the best-selling luxury car brand in Asia, outdoing both the domestic German and EU markets, as well as the Americas by a fair margin. A large portion of those sales have been from the company's compact 1 Series cars. Compared to its bigger and more costly siblings, the 1 Series isn’t short of luxury or comfort, with the 135i right up there with the big boys in terms of driving dynamics and outright performance. With the lower price tag, owners can afford a few basics that are left out from showrooms. 

 Floor mats and seat covers might be an omission most of us forgive, but they do a few things we often take for granted. They keep your car protected during spills, deal with dirt, debris and unsightly stains, and help to keep the interior of your bimmer in pristine condition, just like when you got it new. Owners don't have to settle for anything cheap and cheery, and there are exceptionally durable and well-made BMW 1 series car mats that well match the car's luxurious interior. Besides this, all are made of materials that are soft to the touch and offer additional driving safety with non-slip surfaces. Nice additions for both drivers and passengers alike.

Choosing Floor Mats for the One Series

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When shopping for interior accessories like car mats, there are a few factors to keep in mind. You'll want mats from the right materials. those that are tailored to suit the exact dimensions of the floor and will last no matter how or where you drive. Here's what to look for: 

Materials 

Traditional choices are carpet, rubber, and vinyl. Carpet mats are made of a combination of soft-touch synthetics, and come in coarser loop pile or smoother cut pile variants. Both are available in dozens of colours, are well made, and can include contrast stitching to go with the details that suit the rest of the car, specifically the seat fabric. While good looking, they do have a few shortcomings. Carpet mats are less durable than other materials, are quicker to pick up scratches or tears and don't handle direct sunlight too well. Plus, they're subpar in containing spills or stains and can leave unpleasant odours. 

Rubber mats offer more durability, are waterproof so work better in humid and wet conditions, and have grooves to redirect water. They also better contain grime and dirt and are easier to clean. The only negative to think of is the limited number of colours, often based around black or grey. Move up to vinyl if you want a neater and cleaner interior as these do the best job in keeping away dust, debris and liquids of any type. They too are easy and quick to clean, just hose them down, and they're ready to go. 

Newer materials focus on recyclable plastic and vinyl blends. These are exceptionally lightweight, can be optioned in textured finishes for improved comfort and water and dust removal, and are precision cut with superior non-slip surfaces. Recyclable blends are also gentler on carpet underlays, so no likelihood of damage. If you're particular about your health, these additionally work well against allergens and bacteria. Moreover, they're waterproof and  won't leave any bad smells. Lastly, they're designed to be more durable than any of the traditional material choices, and being recyclable you'll be doing your part for the environment.

Custom vs Universal Mats

Choosing between these two is all about getting mats in the right size and ones that will fit the footwells. Custom BMW 1 series car mats are cut to the exact dimensions of the floor, being neither too big nor too small. This means no slipping, difficulty in keeping the mats flat against the floor, and no safety issues. Universal mats are generally a one-size fits all, so may not be the best option for your 1 Series. They'll struggle in keeping stains and dust from spoiling the floor and typically harder to get right, so can get uncomfortable over longer rides. The only benefit is that they're a bit cheaper, but not worth the compromises. 

What Else to Look For?

Source: bmw.com

Besides materials and sizing, mats come in varying designs and textures. Look for variants with higher side walls and lining if you want the best protection against liquids. This often seamlessly blends into the stitching in more quality, custom-fit variants, leaving a stylish look. Textures also help by preventing excessive movement, slipping, and accidents.  Mats with underside embossing work particularly well in this respect, even when fitted without the provided clips. Driver side mats additionally include textured non-slip surfaces with enough space for both feet, adding more comfort. 

When buying car mats, go for sets that include front driver and passenger side mats, and those that match the rear. Some makes may have mats covering the rear tunnels, and matching units in the same materials and high durability for the boot. Lastly, get the color combinations that catch your eye and best suit the car. 

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5 Types of Car Mats Every Mazda 2 Owner Should Consider

 Japanese cars are rarely the ones that exude luxury or wafty rides as they stride more towards economy and reliability. Take the Mazda 2 for example, it's a capable city car that has a great look both in and out as well as fairly good handling, one that you don't get on many modern vehicles.

Packed with all the latest safety features, the Mazda 2 is big on fuel efficiency especially if you go for Mazda's own diesel engine they call the Skyactiv-D. If you're someone who loves a reliable manual car that makes shifting gears a joy then the Mazda 2 is for you as it's manual gearbox feels quite precise. But what Mazda needs help with is its interior pieces, especially its mats.

Benefits of Car Mats

Source: mazdausa.com

Protection

Protecting the floor is the main goal of car mats as they are made to be the surface that absorbs and takes all the abuse you give it while driving. This way the original flooring is preserved as long as you go for the right Mazda 2 car mats. Since not all of them are made the same, not all of them are to, at least, look the same.

Appearance

Some car mats for Mazda 2 are made to blend in with the interior which makes them look more OEM. On the other hand, there are Mazda 2 mats that can make the interior more interesting as they complement the interior styling quite well but they don't necessarily become part of it.

Sound

Car mats play a key role in soundproofing your Mazda 2 which is why you should aim to get ones that are thicker and they offer far better insulative properties. This will also help with heat insulation too but it all depends on the type of material the mats are going to be made of.

Types of Car Mats

Source: classiccars.com

Fabric

The most affordable Mazda 2 car mats you'll come across are going to be made of fabric. They're also the most readily available and one of the easiest to clean. Keep in mind that they are not going to retain spills as well as other more robust mats.

Rubber

One type of mat that is going to be more robust than a fabric one is a rubber mat. Rubber car mats are also quite common nowadays but they are a lot more durable than fabric mats and they contain spills far better. Rubber car mats for Mazda 2 are not ideal in a hot climate though as they can make the inside of your Mazda extremely hot.

Vinyl

Also known as all-weather, vinyl Mazda 2 mats are made to be used throughout the year as they are quite durable. No water will get soaked in them but also into the carpet while they are rather easy to clean and have spikes at the back to keep them from moving.

Nomad

Some call them curly mats, nomad mats are made to absorb a lot more water and keep debris and dust from going around in the cabin. This is thanks to their thick and curly fibres which make the mats rather comfortable and better at absorbing sounds than rubber or vinyl ones.

3D

With 3D mats, you can expect to get the best coverage as they extend up the centre console thanks to their high sides. This makes them the best when it comes to keeping your Mazda's floor clean as everything that falls on the mats stays on them no matter how you drive. Keep in mind that 3D car mats are not the most comfortable or the most affordable for that matter.

What to Look for in Mats

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Size

In order for a set of car mats to be useful for your Mazda 2 they need to be of the right size. Too big and they won't fit, too small and they will move around like an opened grocery bag.

Retention

Water retention is a must, no matter the type of car mats you're going for. The only difference between each mat would be the way they keep water from going to the floor. Some soak it in while others just keep it moving around in one place.

Odour

While a car mat won't smell like your perfume, it shouldn't also smell bad or emit any odour that can make your trips less enjoyable. This is typically the case with synthetic mats such as rubber and vinyl but that's not always the case with these types of Mazda 2 mats.

Movement

Although a fitting mat won't move, that's not a reason you shouldn't get it with an anti-slip back. This can be in the form of spikes or a rubber surface that doesn't let the mat slide around when shifting gears frequently or getting in and out of your Mazda on a rainy day.

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