Van mat

Van mats, also known as automobile floor mats, are designed to protect for the floor of a van from dirt, wear and salt corrosion. They are distinct from mats for other vehicles in certain key ways.
The primary use of a van mat is to keep a van looking clean. Another use is to provide protection against impacts for cargo, as well as to insulate against heat and noise.
Most mats can be easily removed for cleaning and then replaced. Some require fixation points to ensure they remain fixed in position.
Overview
Van mats are an interior car parts accessory that generally are included by the original equipment manufacturer with the purchase of a van and are supplied by the selling company. However, with the surge in leasing organisations and sales through such channels, some vans are offered without them. Van mats have been available for many years as an accessory product, though dealerships have usually offered them with the purchase of a vehicle.
Van mats are usually one piece or two pieces depending upon the foot well shape and centre tunnel in front of vehicle. Therefore, most retailers offer a wide selection of van mats, each tailored for a certain type of vehicle. This may be as specific as a certain vehicle.
Materials
Van mats generally come in two options:
#Rubber
#Carpet or textile
Carpet mats and rubber mats differ in a number of ways. Carpet mats are generally tufted and have a rubberised anti slip backing. On the other hand, rubber van mats are heavy duty and higher durability. While some van mats are the plain colour of rubber, many contain branded company logos, cartoon characters or even advertisements. Specifically, these rubber van mats are commonly made from styrene-butadiene or EPDM rubber with mat fixings. Some are in textile form of carpet material. They can also come in a wide range of colours. The terms "universal" and "custom fit" mats allow for differentiation between floor mats that will fit a multitude of different vans and those that are specifically designed to fit only one chassis, respectively.
Regulations
Van mats produced by original equipment manufacturers must follow stringent regulations in the US, and are faced with rigorous engineering testing. They are regulated to ensure manufacturer credibility and product specifications and quality. Factors in consideration include odour release, durability, performance in various heat levels, etc.
Safety systems are also becoming more and more common in rubber mats; for example an anti-slip bottom side and a heel pad for added safety and wear.
Market changes
Original equipment manufacturers are now starting to develop non-OEM channels for reduced customer cost.
Some automotive companies have begun a process whereby van mats are shipped directly by the local product manufacturer on a direct to dealership supply basis for added efficiency.
Comparison with other vehicle mats
Van mats differ from conventional car mats since they are usually composed as a single piece to cover the entirety of the front floor area. They also still come complete with floor fixings.
Van mats differ from truck mats in terms of noise cancelling legislative requirements. For trucks these often require noise reduction internal materials as with long haul trucks and lorries. Hence, they are manufactured differently, usually as a moulded one-piece product for such light commercial vehicles as vans.
Whilst universal mats are occasionally used for cars and small passenger vehicles, this less likely for vans since these are used often to transport heavier items and be used for commercial purposes.
Furthermore, rubber mats are more practical for vans than for carpet mats since they are more durable and long lasting.
Other forms
Van liners are rubber products suitable for the rear van load area space to protect the loading space from damage and excessive wear. These are usually from 3mm thickness upwards and used for a wide range of commercial industry purposes.
See also
*Mat
*Rubber mat
*Car mat

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