Factory vs Aftermarket Floor Mats - PartCatalog.com

Many vehicles come with factory mats pre-installed, but these mats may not meet your expectations.

You will receive efficient and thoughtful service from ShunDe.

This is because most OEM floor mats are poorly designed; they are often an afterthought by the vehicle manufacturer.

Additionally, they tend to be quite expensive, especially given their quality.

In contrast, aftermarket mats are generally more affordable and tend to perform significantly better.

Most aftermarket mats feature high edges, allowing them to act like trays and contain all the dirt.

If you are considering replacing your factory floor mats, you will likely be better off with a solid set of aftermarket liners.

If you need assistance with replacing your factory car floor mats, send us a text at 281-761-.

-Alan

Factory/OEM Floor Mats

Factory floor mats are also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) mats. These mats typically come with the vehicle or are sold to you by the dealership, often at a substantial markup.

The type of factory floor mats you receive depends on what the dealership or salesman is offering. Most factory mats are generic, do not provide a true custom fit, are of inferior quality, and usually cost more than aftermarket options.

Factory vs Custom Fit Aftermarket Car Liners

Aftermarket car mats are designed and produced by companies specializing in floor liners. They focus exclusively on floor liners and value customer feedback. For them, floor liners are not just an overpriced upsell.

Typically, aftermarket car mats offer better coverage than factory mats and generally look more appealing.

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Point of Comparison Aftermarket OEM Quality Almost always better than factory Depends on manufacturer Coverage Most have 100% coverage Very few have 100% coverage Price Affordable Usually more expensive Color Many color options Few color options

Why Aftermarket Floor Liners Are Better

1. They Have Better Fitment

While OEM floor mats are designed and manufactured by the same manufacturers as the vehicle, they typically come in a universal or semi-universal fit. Universal mats are made to fit multiple vehicles, which prevents them from having a perfect fit.

In contrast, aftermarket mats are custom-molded and configured to fit the vehicle’s footwell accurately. For example, WeatherTech DigitalFit mats are laser-measured to follow the contours of the vehicle's floor, providing a seamless look.

The floor liner hugs every part of the floor pan, accommodating all bumps and contours. Custom fit floor liners will fit your vehicle like a glove, being specifically designed for it.

“The MAXpider floor mats and cargo mat fit perfectly. They are easy to maintain and look better than any others I have seen. PartCatalog provided excellent service and fast delivery. Very happy with my purchase.”

-Jeff K., review of 3D MAXpider Kagu Floor Mats

2. They Are Better Quality

The quality of OEM floor mats greatly depends on what the dealer sells you. When purchasing a vehicle, most dealers try to sell you extra accessories like floor mats, window tint, and pinstriping.

Dealers are aware that you are already investing a considerable amount of money in your vehicle and are likely willing to spend a bit more on additional accessories.

The issue is that these floor mats are typically overpriced and of lesser quality than aftermarket options.

Floor mats serve to provide extra revenue for dealerships, not to furnish you with the best protection.

Aftermarket mats are created by companies that specialize in floor mats, often boasting higher quality than factory mats and offering longer warranties.

For weather mats, this can translate to rubber or plastic that endures wear from work boots and harsh winter conditions.

For carpet mats, this usually means that the carpet won’t pile and will stand up better against frequent use.

3. They Contain Messes Better

Factory mats generally do not perform as well as aftermarket options. Most factory mats are not engineered with features like channeling or raised edges to contain dirt and provide optimal protection for your carpet.

Aftermarket liners are specifically designed to protect your carpets. They feature advanced surface channels and higher edges that keep messes contained until you intentionally clean them out.

In contrast, OEM mats typically have shallow channels and flat edges. High-performance aftermarket liners like Husky Liners and WeatherTech Mats excel in this area.

“These floor mats match my Tesla Model 3 perfectly. The raised edges ensure that any spills don’t seep under the mats, protecting the car floor.”

-Shail G., review of 3D MAXpider Kagu Floor Mats

4. They Are Usually Cheaper

OEM weather floor mats often come at a higher price than aftermarket floor mats. This difference can be difficult to discern since the cost of the mats is typically included in the vehicle's price.

Aftermarket floor mats generally cost much less than OEM options while providing greater protection.

For reference, a quality set of front custom floor mats can be found for as low as $84.90, with slightly higher prices for floor liners.

5. They Are Easier to Order

OEM mats are only available at manufacturer dealerships. To acquire them, you must visit the dealership in person, which can be inconvenient.

Moreover, you may encounter pressure from salespeople attempting to upsell you on new cars!

This is not an issue with aftermarket mats. You can order them online from the comfort of your home and have them delivered to your doorstep.

Aftermarket options are available for both older and newer models, unlike OEM mats, which are often limited to current or new models.

6. They Offer Better Coverage Options

Aftermarket floor liners generally surpass OEM options in this regard. Many OEM car liners do not provide full coverage, leaving the sides of the footwell exposed to mud, dust, snow, and liquids due to their short edges. The flat edges also allow elements to penetrate underneath, leading to rapid wear of your carpet. Few OEM mats that offer full coverage typically come at exorbitant prices.

In contrast, aftermarket car liners are designed for maximum protection, featuring high edges that cover all corners and sides of the footwell. Some even extend beneath the seats and pedals, providing optimal protection against the elements.

7. There Is More Variety

OEM liners are limited in variety. For instance, only Toyota produces OEM Toyota liners.

On the other hand, the aftermarket market is rich with options, including brands like WeatherTech Floor Liners, Husky Liners, MAXpider, and Lloyd, all offering various designs, finishes, and materials. This abundance allows for a multitude of choices.

8. They Are Available in More Colors

Much like the variety of designs, aftermarket mats also come in various colors. Most brands offer black, gray, and tan, while some, like Lloyd Northridge, are available in over eight colors.

This selection enables you to choose color options that complement other parts of your vehicle's interior. For example, if you own a black sports car with red stitching, you can opt for black carpet mats with red stitching to create a cohesive look. To design your unique combination, check out the Lloyd Ultimat floor mats.

OEM car liners typically come in only two colors—black and gray—limiting your options.

“These mats look fantastic and fit perfectly. The embroidery color matches my seat belts and enhances the charcoal interior beautifully. Thank you!”

-Terry S., review of Lloyd Ultimat Carpet Floor Mats

9. They Stay in Place Better

Both OEM and aftermarket car mats come with retention systems, but aftermarket manufacturers often take extra measures to make the back of their mats non-skid, ensuring they remain securely in place.

This can involve the use of 'nibs' to anchor the mats further or a velcro-like bottom.

In summary, aftermarket mats offer numerous benefits and are your best option for keeping your carpet clean and in pristine condition.

Our Top Picks for Best Aftermarket Floor Mats

Where do I buy dealer mats?

To purchase dealer mats, you must visit your local car dealership or contact them. For many, going to a car dealership can be stressful and frustrating due to persistent upselling by the salespeople.

Which are better, factory or aftermarket car mats?

Aftermarket floor mats typically outperform factory mats in almost all scenarios. They offer better coverage, lower price points, superior fit, and enhanced aesthetic appeal compared to factory mats.

Why are factory mats usually so bad?

Factory mats often fall short in quality because they tend to be an afterthought and represent yet another upsell from the dealership. Their primary goal is to sell you a car, then persuade you to purchase overpriced accessories and add-ons to maximize profits. This is why opting for aftermarket floor mats is often a better choice, as they are typically higher in quality and more reasonably priced.