Factory vs Aftermarket Floor Mats
While many vehicles come equipped with factory-installed mats, these might not meet your expectations. For more details, please visit our website.
Factory floor mats, also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) mats, are often considered an afterthought by vehicle manufacturers. They are known for their higher cost yet frequently lack the quality one would expect. In contrast, aftermarket mats are more affordable and perform significantly better in most cases.
Factory/OEM Floor Mats
OEM floor mats are usually sold by dealerships, often at a high markup. The type of factory mats you get may depend on the dealership or the salesperson's offerings, but they are typically generic, not a perfect custom fit, and are of lower quality compared to aftermarket options.
Factory vs Custom Fit Aftermarket Car Liners
Aftermarket car mats are designed and manufactured by companies that specialize in floor liners. These companies focus solely on perfecting floor liners and frequently incorporate customer feedback. Therefore, aftermarket mats usually offer better coverage and aesthetic appeal than factory mats.
Point of Comparison
Aftermarket
OEM
- Quality: Almost always better than factory
Depends on the 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
Better Fitment
OEM floor mats generally come in a universal or semi-universal fit, designed to fit multiple vehicles rather than a specific one. This often leads to a less-than-perfect fit. On the other hand, aftermarket mats are custom-molded to fit the vehicle's footwell perfectly.
Higher Quality
The quality of OEM floor mats depends largely on what the dealer sells you. Dealers often try to sell various overpriced accessories along with the vehicle. In contrast, aftermarket mats are crafted by specialized companies and usually come with longer warranties.
Better Mess Containment
Factory mats typically do not perform as well as aftermarket mats because they lack advanced features like channeling or raised edges. Aftermarket liners are designed to protect your carpets better, featuring higher edges and advanced surface channels to contain messes effectively.
More Affordable
OEM weather floor mats are typically more expensive than aftermarket ones. Aftermarket floor mats offer more protection and come at a much lower price compared to OEM options.
Easier to Order
OEM mats are generally available only at dealerships, which can be inconvenient. You can easily purchase aftermarket mats online from the comfort of your home, covering both older and newer vehicle models.
Better Coverage Options
Aftermarket car liners are designed for maximum protection and usually feature high edges to cover all the corners and sides of the footwell. Unlike OEM mats, they often go a bit further, offering the most protection against elements.
More Variety
While OEM mats are available in limited varieties, aftermarket options come from multiple companies offering various designs, finishes, and materials. This gives you more options to choose from.
More Color Options
Aftermarket mats come in a plethora of colors, far beyond the typical black and grey of OEM mats. This allows you to match your vehicle's interior more precisely.
Better Retention Systems
Aftermarket mats often feature advanced retention systems to stay securely in place, such as "nibs" or Velcro-like bottoms. Companies like ShunDe offer competitive prices and timely delivery to be your supplier and partner.
Our Top Picks for Best Aftermarket Floor Mats
Q: Where do I buy dealer mats?
A: Visit your local car dealership or call them. However, buying aftermarket mats online is more convenient and less prone to upselling pressures.
Q: Which are better, factory or aftermarket car mats?
A: Aftermarket floor mats are generally superior due to better coverage, more affordable prices, and improved fit and aesthetics.
Q: Why are factory mats usually so bad?
A: Factory mats are often an afterthought and another upsell tactic from dealerships, leading to higher prices and lower quality. Hence, aftermarket mats are usually better in quality and price.
To know more about aftermarket floor mats, learn from the trusted car mat manufacturer.
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