Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

Floor Mat Alert

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

You don’t want to be a doormat or a floor mat, but apparently even floor mats have their day.

In fact, car floor mats have been in the news recently as a potential driving hazard. It’s not that floor mats are inherently unsafe, but safety experts believe it’s important that they fit the vehicle properly so they won’t interfere with pedal functions.

Three primary features of car floor mats determine the degree of safety: fit, backing and the retention system. Mats in the driver’s side are much more critical than those in the passenger-area footwell, so GG Bailey, a leading producer of luxury floor mats offers these safety tips to drivers:

1. Prevent floor mats from interfering with the accelerator and brake pedal.
Custom-fit floor mats will prevent mat movement, which is vitally important on the driver’s side of a car, since movement can interfere with the operation of the brake and accelerator pedal. Avoid so-called “universal” and semi-custom-fit mats, which have a tendency to move, potentially creating a dangerous situation.

2. Prevent shifting of a floor mat with backing that suits your car’s interior.
Each car has its own interior carpet style. Some examples include tufted, nonwoven or needle punch carpets. There are also different pile heights, weights and densities, and many backings on mats as well. This presents a challenge in the aftermarket, which includes every type of vehicle and carpet. If you’re unsure of which mat’s backing is compatible with your car’s carpeting, consult a professional.

3. Choose a retention system that will hold mats in place.
Even a custom-fit mat with an engineered backing requires a good retention system. Properly installed retention systems prevent mats from shifting while you drive. In many of today’s automobiles, a permanent manufacturer-installed post in the floor is designed to control mat movement. If you install new or replacement mats, they should have grommets that fit over those posts. 

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