Why does a car need tow trucks with high sides?
The car interior is a space that requires special protection from dirt, moisture and mechanical damage. Conventional rubber or textile mats often cannot cope with intense loads: snow, slush, sand and chemicals from the roads penetrate under them, destroying the factory floor covering. Evacuation mats with high sides solve this problem radically - they completely repeat the shape of the car floor, creating a sealed “pallet” that holds up to 1.5 liters of liquid no leaks.
The peculiarity of such rugs is their design. High sides (from 5 to 10 cm) form a closed loop that prevents liquid from spreading throughout the cabin even during sharp turns or braking. This is relevant not only for owners of SUVs or crossovers, but also for city sedans: in winter, snow from shoes melts right into the cabin, and in summer, sand and dust penetrate into every corner. Service center statistics show that Cars with tow mats require deep cleaning of the interior 40% less often than cars with conventional mats..
Design and materials: what are manufacturers hiding?
There are three main materials available on the market, each of which has its own pros and cons. Let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed choice.
- 🔹 Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) - a modern material that combines the flexibility of rubber and the strength of plastic. TPE mats are odorless and do not crack in the cold (can withstand up to
-50°C) and do not deform in the heat. Their main drawback is their high price, but it is justified by their service life of up to 7-10 years. - 🔹 Rubber (EPDM) - a classic option that is cheaper than TPE, but inferior in wear resistance. Quality rubber tow mats last 3-5 years, but may become brittle at temperatures below
-30°C. An important nuance: cheap rubber often has a strong chemical smell that takes months to dissipate. - 🔹 Polyurethane - light and elastic material that holds its shape well. However, polyurethane mats are prone to abrasion in areas of heavy use (under the pedals) and may yellow over time when exposed to UV rays.
Manufacturers rarely advertise, but material thickness is a critical parameter. Optimal range: 3 to 5 mm. Thinner mats (1.5-2 mm) wear out quickly, while mats that are too thick (6 mm+) can interfere with the operation of the pedals or are not fixed tightly enough. Also note stiffening ribs at the bottom of the mat - they prevent deformation under load and improve grip on the floor.
How to choose the right size: universal vs. customized rugs
A mistake many car owners make is buying “universal” tow trucks that supposedly fit all models. In practice, such mats rarely provide complete protection: they either do not cover the corners of the floor or interfere with the seat fastening. Customized rugs, designed for a specific make and model of car, guarantee an ideal fit and protection of all vulnerable areas, including the niches under the feet of the driver and front passenger.
To avoid making a mistake with your choice, follow this algorithm:
Check the exact model and year of manufacture of the car|Check for additional options (floor heating, floor mats with the car logo)|Compare the dimensions of the mats with the factory parameters (length/width/height of the sides)|Pay attention to the mounting method (clips, Velcro, “claws”)|Read reviews about a specific model on the forums of the owners of your car-->
Pay special attention pedal area. Many cars (for example, Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan) the gas pedal is located in a recess - universal mats often do not take this feature into account, leaving a gap through which dirt penetrates. Individual mats for such models have special “pockets” for pedals.
⚠️ Attention: If your car is equipped with a system Start/Stop or keyless entry, make sure that the mats do not block the immobilizer antenna (usually located under the center console). An improperly installed mat can block the signal, causing electronics to malfunction.
Top 5 brands of tow trucks: comparison table for 2026
The tow truck market is oversaturated with offers from little-known manufacturers, but there are brands that have gained trust due to quality and innovation. We analyzed reviews from car owners and experts to rank the best brands for 2026.
| Brand | Material | Average price (set) | Features | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WeatherTech | TPE | 8 000 — 15 000 ₽ | Laser cutting based on a 3D model of the interior, lifetime warranty, sides 7 cm high | 4.9 |
| Husky Liners | EPDM rubber | 6 500 — 12 000 ₽ | Reinforced areas under the pedals, compatible with 4WD and AWD |
4.7 |
| Lloyd Mats | Polyurethane | 5 000 — 9 000 ₽ | Designer collections, possibility of personalization (color, logo) | 4.5 |
| 3D MAXpider | TPE+textile coating | 7 000 — 14 000 ₽ | Hybrid construction (top layer is carpet, bottom layer is sealed TPE) | 4.8 |
| ToughPRO | Rubber | 3 500 — 6 000 ₽ | Budget option, suitable for commercial vehicles | 4.2 |
If your budget is limited, pay attention to ToughPRO is one of the few brands that offers acceptable quality at a price below RUB 5,000 per set. However, be prepared for the fact that rubber mats may lose their elasticity after 2-3 years. For premium cars (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) the optimal choice would be WeatherTech or 3D MAXpider — they not only protect the interior, but also emphasize the status of the car.
Please check if a trunk mat is included before purchasing. Many manufacturers sell it separately, although it is no less important for protection against dirt, especially in crossovers and station wagons.
Installing evacuation mats: step-by-step instructions and common mistakes
It would seem that what could be easier than putting a rug in the car? However, even here there are nuances that affect the safety and durability of the product. Let's look at the installation process using evacuation mats as an example. WeatherTech for Skoda Octavia.
The first step is to prepare the salon:
- Remove old rugs and vacuum the floor, paying attention to corners and under the pedals.
- If your car has factory floor mat mounts (plastic clips or hooks), check their integrity. Broken fasteners need to be replaced, otherwise the mats will move out.
- Try on the new towing mats without fixationto make sure that they do not interfere with the movement of the pedals or touch the parking brake lever.
Now let's move on to fixation. Most evacuation mats are secured using:
- 🔧 Factory clips - included in many cars (for example, Volkswagen or Hyundai). The rug simply “slides” over them.
- 🧲 Velcro - a reliable option, but over time the sticky layer wears out. We recommend purchasing spare tapes.
- 🕳️ "Paws" with spikes - pressed into the factory carpet. Not suitable for all models (may damage the casing).
⚠️ Attention: Never lay tow mats on top of factory textile mats! This creates a "double floor" that can jam the pedals or interfere with the system's operation. ESP (electronic stabilization). The correct option is to remove the factory floor mats and install the tow mats directly onto the bare floor.
What to do if the mat interferes with the pedals?
If after installation you feel discomfort when pressing the brake or gas pedal, try the following solutions:
1. Trim the mat in the pedal area (only if the material allows it, for example, rubber or TPE).
2. Check whether the mat does not block the space under the clutch pedal (relevant for a manual transmission).
3. Make sure the mat is lying before pedal assembly, and not under it. In some vehicles (eg Renault Duster) special grooves are provided for this.
Caring for towing mats: how to extend their service life?
Evacuation mats require regular maintenance, but it is much easier than cleaning textile mats or factory carpet. Basic rules:
- 🚿 Washing: Use warm water and a neutral detergent (e.g. Kärcher for automotive plastics). Avoid aggressive chemicals (solvents, alkalis) - they destroy the material.
- 🧹 Drying: After washing, wipe the mats dry with a microfiber cloth. Do not dry them in direct sunlight - this will lead to deformation (especially for polyurethane models).
- 🧴 Side maintenance: Dirt and salt accumulate in the recesses of the sides. To clean, use a soft brush or a toothbrush with detergent.
- 🛑 Prohibited: Do not put rugs in the dishwasher (even if they fit) - high temperatures and dish detergents will destroy the material.
For rugs made of TPE and rubber It is useful to apply a silicone-based protective spray once a season (for example, Sonax Gummipflege). It restores the elasticity of the material and prevents cracking. But polyurethane mats do not need additional treatment - regular washing is enough.
TPE evacuation mats can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle (temperature no higher than 30°C), if their size allows. Rubber and polyurethane mats cannot be machine washed!
Tow trucks vs. alternatives: which is better for your car?
There are other types of interior protection on the market: textile mats, rubber linings without sides, as well as combined systems (for example, carpet + sealed pan). Let's compare them with tow trucks in key parameters.
| Criterion | Evacuation mats with sides | Rubber mats without edges | Textile rugs | Combined systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%) | ⭐⭐ (40%) | ⭐ (10%) | ⭐⭐⭐ (70%) |
| Easy to clean | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Service life | 5-10 years | 2-4 years | 1-3 years | 3-5 years |
| Cost | High (from 5,000 ₽) | Low (from 1,500 ₽) | Average (from 3,000 ₽) | High (from 7,000 ₽) |
| Noise absorption | Average | Low | High | High |
If your priority is maximum interior protection from dirt and moisture, towing mats with high sides are unbeatable. They are ideal for:
- 🚙 Cars with a dark interior (the slightest dirt is visible on it).
- 🏔️ Vehicles operated in off-road or snowy winter conditions.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family cars (where the interior is subject to intense loads).
Textile mats or combined systems should only be considered if you are willing to sacrifice protection for comfort (for example, in premium sedans, where sound insulation is important).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about tow trucks
Is it possible to install towing mats on cars with heated floors?
Yes, but you need to select models marked "Compatible with Heated Floors" or check with the seller. Rugs from TPE and thin rubber (up to 3 mm) do not block heat, unlike thick polyurethane products. Also make sure that the mat does not have metal fasteners that could become hot.
How often should tow trucks be washed?
Depends on the intensity of use of the car:
- 🚗 Urban use: Once every 2-3 weeks.
- 🏗️ Off-road/construction site driving: after every trip.
- ❄️ Winter period: Remove snow and salt daily with a brush, complete washing - once a week.
If the rugs begin to emit an unpleasant odor, soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of water and vinegar (1:1) before washing.
Are tow mats suitable for electric vehicles?
Yes, but with reservations. In electric vehicles (eg Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf) the floor often has a non-standard shape due to the location of the radiators. Choose mats specifically designed for your model to avoid problems with:
- Blocking access to charging connectors (if they are located in the front of the car).
- Overheating of battery modules (mats should not block the ventilation holes).
Manufacturers WeatherTech and Husky Liners have already released a line of mats for most popular electric cars.
Is it possible to drive without rear towing mats if I am only carrying the driver?
Technically yes, but it's irrational. Rear mats protect not only the floor, but also:
- 🔋 Electrical wiring under the seats (humidity can cause corrosion of the contacts).
- 🪑 Seat adjustment mechanisms (sand and dirt accelerate wear on the guides).
- 🚘 Body under carpet (humidity leads to rust, especially in old cars).
If you're on a budget, start with the front floor mats, but add the rear floor mats as soon as possible.
How to store evacuation mats if they are removed for the summer?
Follow these rules to prevent rugs from becoming deformed:
- Wash and dry them thoroughly before storing.
- Stack rugs sides upto avoid creases.
- Store in a cool place (such as a garage), but not in freezing temperatures or direct sunlight.
- If the rugs are from TPE, you can sprinkle them with talcum powder to prevent sticking.
Do not store rugs rolled up - this will lead to irreversible creases!