Keeping a vehicle's cargo area immaculate isn't an easy job. You can clean and vacuum it, but it is challenging to make it look as good as new. Moreover, this can highly impact the price of your vehicle if you plan on reselling it.
That's why your best option is to make sure it stays as clean as possible from the get-go, and you can achieve this by buying a high-quality cargo liner. These are custom-made flat surfaces that you place in your vehicle's cargo area to make sure it doesn't get dirty or stained over time. In this article, you're going to learn everything you need to know about cargo liners and whether you should get one or not.
"Cargo Liners" VS. "Cargo Mats"
Although sometimes these two terms are used interchangeably, there is a clear difference between them. Cargo liners cover the entire floor of the cargo area and have a raised lip on their sides that may extend itself up the walls of the car.
However, cargo mats don't have lips around their edges and may not cover the entirety of the cargo floor. Nonetheless, both items have similar features, such as cups, a smooth surface, and grooved ridges. They are also made of several materials, such as vinyl and synthetic rubber.
Moreover, when choosing the right cargo liner for you, please consider all options and understand how you're going to use it. This way, you are sure to always keep your cargo area as clean as possible.
Vinyl and Rubber Cargo Liners
If you're taking your dog out for training or just to the dog park in your SUV, these are the most popular cargo lines, as they can be easily cleaned due to their waterproof and sleek surface. Moreover, you don't have to worry about anything soaking through their material, as it is sure to contain all the liquid and dirt of anything you place on it.
They feature grooved channels and raised edges to make sure there's no spillage. In addition, you can easily clean them by spraying them with water, and they are going to remain perfectly clean for quite a long time.
Cargo Liners for Pets
If you're a pet owner, you probably know our loved friends tend to make quite a mess when placed in cargo areas. Therefore, if you have to constantly deal with dirty paws and hair everywhere, your best option is to get a pet travel cargo liner.
These devices are especially useful when we can't immediately clean our pets when returning home from the park. They usually feature wide and comfortable padding to make sure your pet stays calm throughout the whole trip.
Moreover, you don't have to worry about mud or wet stains, as these cargo liners are extremely easy to clean. Therefore, you can use them to carry all types of items in your cargo area.
Cargo Containment Blocks
Once you get a cargo liner, you must also consider getting cargo containment blocks so that the items you're hauling stay in place at all times. These are simple L-shaped blocks that you place around the objects in your cargo area and stay in place thanks to their grippy rubber underside layer. They work for all types of items, including grocery bags and even heavy TVs.
Are Cargo Liners Really Worth It?
Yes, cargo liners may be a bit expensive, but we can ensure that having to replace your vehicle's carpet is going to be much more costly. Moreover, they allow you to display a beautiful and spotless carpet anytime you want by simply popping them out.
In addition, you're going to save a lot of money on cleaning materials you would usually use to maintain your vehicle's factory carpet. However, some cargo liners include carpet hooks that you may have to seal to prevent liquids from falling into them and staining the carpet's fabric.
Conclusion
Cargo liners can be a lifesaver for any vehicle owner, as they prevent your cargo area from getting stained over time and maintain the vehicle's original price for much longer.
However, if you're planning to get one of these devices, we recommend you do proper research about the best brands of cargo liners so that you get the best possible material for your vehicle.