They collect dirt, grime, snow, and assorted gunk. They stain. So why do car manufacturers insist on carpeting floors?

Spend enough time in your car, and you’ll eventually begin to consider the seeming absurdity of the vehicle’s carpeted floor. Carpet is, of course, notoriously difficult to keep clean, yet it’s been installed in a place prone to food and drink spills, mud, dirt, snow, and other gunk.

Most people put down floor mats to protect the carpet from damage, but what’s the point of a floor surface that needs another layer? Why not just make the entire thing out of rubber or another easy-to-clean material? Why install something that will eventually be hit with a Slurpee-related disaster?

The main reason isn’t because of aesthetic purposes. It’s mostly because carpet is an effective sound dampener.[…]

Continue reading: The Reason Cars Have Carpeted Floors