To test car floor mats, we installed them in our test vehicle. In some cases, we trimmed mats to fit as suggested by the instructions. Once installed, we assessed each floor mat’s water retention, stability, and overall durability.

Stability

A car floor mat should not move as little as possible once installed. Some floor mats come with hooks, velcro, and other fastening mechanisms to ensure it doesn’t shift while driving. Taking each floor mat for a test drive, we noted how much each floor mat slipped, if at all.

Floor mats that remain completely stationary score best in this category.

Water Retention

To mimic dirt, grime, and slush that’s dragged into the vehicle cabin, we poured water into each floor mat, noting how much it could hold or absorb. Floor mats able to hold the largest volume of water score best in this category.

Durability

We bent, folded, and manipulated each floor mat to test its durability. We also considered online customer reviews to get an idea of the longevity of each floor mat. Floor mats made of the toughest materials, and with many customer reports of longevity score best in this category.

How We Score Products

Every floor mat we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a floor mat is among the best in a category. It does not shift while driving, completely protects your floor from water, or can be expected to last a lifetime.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a floor mat performs better-than-average in a category. It may shift some, but is secured, holds a large volume of water, or can be expected to last at least a decade.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a floor mat, based on our testing experience. It may need to be readjusted every few weeks, it holds some water, or can be expected to last at least five years.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the floor mat performs poorer than the average silicone wiper blade. It shifts a lot, does not hold back water, and shouldn’t be expected to last beyond three years.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the floor mat performs well below expectations in a category. It is exceptionally slippery, secretes water, or is easily destroyed.

Trailer Flooring

Just bought a new trailer? Before loading it up with dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and other sports toys, it’s important to protect your trailer with a floor that is meant for the job. Find the most durable, weather-resistant flooring here in our trailer flooring buying guide.

Trailers see everything from mud to water to snow – the last thing you want is the bed of your trailer deteriorating after each use. That’s why installing quality flooring is the best thing to do right after you buy a new trailer.

What kind of flooring is best for your trailer? What will hold up over time and look cool? It’s a tall order, but plenty of trailer flooring options are up to the challenge. Let’s take a look at the qualities you need for your trailer flooring and what floors work best for certain types of trailers.