There aren't many car manufacturers that haven't fully transitioned to turbocharged engines and high compression ratios and Honda is one of them. Today mainly focused on hybrids, the Japanese manufacturer has always stood for reliability and simplicity both under the bonnet and in the cabin.
Honda may not be known for luxurious interiors or extremely large vehicles but it has solidified its position in the market as a tried and true manufacturer that won't let you down. That has been the case, especially with models such as the Civic and CR-V along with the Accord which have been one of the most sold Hondas ever. The great resale value of older models is the proof for all of this.
Types of Car Mats
Rubber
The most common floor mats nowadays are made of rubber. That's mainly because rubber is a hassle-free material that is easy to clean and durable while it doesn't drastically change the interior. Rubber Honda mats are also one of the most affordable and can be used throughout the year, they just aren't as comfortable.
Carpet
When it comes to concealing dirt and having a more comfortable footwell, carpet mats are preferred over rubber ones. The fabric in carpet mats also helps improve the sound insulation inside the cabin and makes for the most affordable mats. Carpet mats however aren't as easy to clean as rubber mats and they take a while before they dry off completely.
EVA
EVA mats or ethylene vinyl acetate mats are exceptional when it comes to their durability and maintenance. They can withstand UV radiation, are extremely flexible and can survive through a wide range of temperatures while being waterproof. EVA mats are able to survive the harshness of some chemicals and oils but they are not the most visually appealing solution.
Vinyl
Also known as all-weather mats, vinyl Honda mats are also quite durable to the point that you can have them in your Honda throughout the year. A vinyl mat is able to survive through the extremes of both cold and hot weather without an issue and while they are not the most comfortable, vinyl mats are easy to clean and quite stylish too.
Nomad
A nomad Honda car mat is one that's made of thick fibres which is why it's also known as a curly mat. These Honda floor mats are similar to carpet ones since they are extremely comfortable and ones that help improve the sound insulation in your cabin. In fact, they are much better at both but it's because of that they are also more difficult to clean as the thick fibres are quite tough and trap dust too well.
3D
With 3D floor mats, you get to cover not just the surface of your footwell but also the sides of the transmission tunnel. These mats are capable of containing dust and moisture better than any other synthetic mat since they don't allow either to reach the floor underneath. Because of this, 3D mats are extremely expensive but they are easy to clean and fit.
What Matters in a Car Mat
Compatibility
Talking about fit, if you want your new Honda floor mats to fit in your vehicle you should first check if they're made exactly for your specific model. This way you ensure that the mats won't move and make your driving cumbersome or even worse, be the cause of an accident.
Odour
Some mats are known to produce some unwanted odours. These are synthetic mats but not all synthetic mats do that. Make sure that the manufacturer you're getting the mats from has specified that in the product description otherwise, when temperatures get high enough, the smell will fill up the cabin.
Stable
A new Honda car mat should stay in place no matter what. Although the fit of the mat affects this, if it doesn't come with a rubber backing in the form of spikes or a pattern of some sort this won't be the case, especially not when your shoes are wet.
Water
When it comes to water retention. A mat is either able to contain the moisture in place thanks to channels and sections with raised edges or absorb it thanks to the material's properties. Either way, the mat should not let spills hit the carpet underneath it.
Why Use Aftermarket Mats?
Price
The first and biggest reason why you should invest in aftermarket car mats is because of their price tag. They are much more affordable than OEM mats and there is no difference in how they protect the footwell. You can even get aftermarket Honda floor mats that look the same as OEM ones.
Availability
Aftermarket mats can be found anywhere from online shops to physical stores therefore they are a more convenient solution. OEM mats can be found only from the official manufacturer, in this case, Honda dealerships.
Options
You also get a lot more styling options to choose from with aftermarket car mats from different colours to various patterns and designs.
