How are your Monster Mats?

[Borris]

I purchased a set of monster mats when we bought our Cali. I liked the look of them because they looked well made and able to prevent any mud, water and grit getting to the carpets. Unfortunately, I have only driven 16000 miles and they have recently started to allow water through to the carpet beneath. One of the ribs has split where my left heel makes contact with the floor. Apart from this issue the mats are like new. Very disappointing.
I recently tried to order a new set but was told that they are no longer available. What are they supplying instead? Have you had trouble with your monsters?

 

[westfalia]

I purchased a set of monster mats when we bought our Cali. I liked the look of them because they looked well made and able to prevent any mud, water and grit getting to the carpets. Unfortunately, I have only driven 16000 miles and they have recently started to allow water through to the carpet beneath. One of the ribs has split where my left heel makes contact with the floor. Apart from this issue the mats are like new. Very disappointing.
I recently tried to order a new set but was told that they are no longer available. What are they supplying instead? Have you had trouble with your monsters?

Do you wear high heals ?

 

[westfalia]

Do you wear high heals ?

Or even heels.

 

[Lewis]

I remember reading when we first got the Cali that they weren't very good. Got them thrown in for free and had low expectations but 26000 miles later they're doing just fine. No signs of excessive wear when I cleaned them last week. I do keep the original carpet mats underneath them if thats likely to make any difference.

 

[Borris]

Or even heels.

Ahh yes, that could be the problem.

Actually no just normal shoes.

 

[Meoncoast]

Bought them back in 2012 with the 1st van did not last very long same issue.

 

[Ocean Spirit]

I read up on here that they were failing as you say but still went ahead and bought them just because they fit and because of the time of year I bought the Cali. I will obviously have more time to search for a more suitable option as a replacement if they start to fail (looks very likely huh?).
But it was only in December 17 that I was able to buy them from SMG Tonbridge Boris.

 

[SimonB]

I wonder if the composition of the back of the heel of shoes is a big factor and also whether the vehicle is manual or DSG.
I drive in lightweight shoes as I find them more comfortable and it improves fuel economy. The rear of the heel is quite soft and my mats seem like new after 2½ years.
Our Cali is a DSG so you wouldn't expect much or any wear on the clutch side but there is none on the throttle side either. When I had to wear steel toe-capped boots for work the sole of the shoe was harder, including the heel and I used to regularly wear out car mats where the heel was.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XL6L5WW/?tag=eliteelect-21
These seem a cheap alternative, £35, and have a 3 year warranty.

 

[Hotel California]

Rubber mats (or any other mats) wears quick in that place where your right foot is on the trotlle .
Guess you need to get a better quality mat ?
Cruise control might be a solution...

 

[VWDrooper]

I find they mark the carpet and leave black stains on light coloured heels on trainers

 

[Bellcrew]

Rubber mats (or any other mats) wears quick in that place where your right foot is on the trotlle .
Guess you need to get a better quality mat ?
Cruise control might be a solution...

I got my rubber mats from Aldi, they have a strip of "carpet" at the heal area, not exactly a perfect fit but they do the job. Still looking for a better solution other than great slabs of rubber.

 

[Borris]

I wonder if the composition of the back of the heel of shoes is a big factor and also whether the vehicle is manual or DSG.
I drive in lightweight shoes as I find it improves fuel economy. The rear of the heel is quite soft and my mats seem like new after 2½ years.
Our Cali is a DSG so you wouldn't expect much or any wear on the clutch side but there is none on the throttle side either. When I had to wear steel toe-capped boots for work the sole of the shoe was harder, including the heel and I used to regularly wear out car mats where the heel was.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XL6L5WW/?tag=eliteelect-21
These seem a cheap alternative, £35, and have a 3 year warranty.

You may have a point there Simon. Perhaps the problem is more accute on a manual.

 

[Ocean Spirit]

I took a look at my Monster mats today. Took them out to shake off the grit.
It's the first time because they were already fitted when I picked up the cali.
So far so good regrading the ribs. Yeah I know!! they are practically new but thats just an observation and most importantly even if they are hollow the underside of the mat looks like it is a solid construction now.
Not sure if they have always been this way but I fail to see how a broken rib will let anything through the base to the carpet. I'll take another look in daylight though..just incase
Come to think of it if the base is solid how can the rib be hollow??

 

[bigmac77]

Had my monster mats in now for over two years and they are still in pretty good nick and no holes so far.

 

[Borris]

I took a look at my Monster mats today. Took them out to shake off the grit.
It's the first time because they were already fitted when I picked up the cali.
So far so good regrading the ribs. Yeah I know!! they are practically new but thats just an observation and most importantly even if they are hollow the underside of the mat looks like it is a solid construction now.
Not sure if they have always been this way but I fail to see how a broken rib will let anything through the base to the carpet. I'll take another look in daylight though..just incase
Come to think of it if the base is solid how can the rib be hollow??

The ribs aren't hollow. Unless I am mistaken, these mats are made by injecting a hot molten rubber compound into an enclosed two part metal mould.
The problem with my drivers side monster mat is that my left heel provides a pivot point when operating the clutch. As that pivot point is aways in the same place, all I can assume is that the constant rocking on that particular rib has caused it to tear right through. This split has inturn let water through to the carpet beneath. As your Cali is a dsg, I doubt if you will have the same issue because your left foot isn't doing anything whilst you're driving

 

[Ocean Spirit]

Ah I see, from all I've read (on many threads), I thought they were fragile hollow ribs hence why I wondered if they'd changed.
@Borris yeah DSG will surely prolong the condition then.
So given a bit more info and first hand scrutiny I'd say they are going to last me a fair while.

 

[GrannyJen]

I was very happy with mine and a little bit peee'd off that they went with Albert

 

[Ocean Spirit]

I was very happy with mine and a little bit peee'd off that they went with Albert

Acchhhh
You slipped you there then then GJ

 

[Alan]

About 3 months ago I took my monster mats out give the carpets a clean and was alarmed to see a wet patch on drivers side but was relieved to find it was the fault of a wet shoe finding its way through fine worn splits on the rubber mat

 

[Borris]

About 3 months ago I took my monster mats out give the carpets a clean and was alarmed to see a wet patch on drivers side but was relieved to find it was the fault of a wet shoe finding its way through fine worn splits on the rubber mat

Ah ha! Has your monster mat split right through at the base of one of the ribs?

 

[jamessclarke]

Monster mats thrown away after about 20000 miles as worn through by my heel. Now have a cheap set of carpet mats which look much better

 

[Blubus]

Ribs have broken off after 10,000 miles, also left a black rubber mark on the carpet to the left of the clutch peddle. Will not be buying again.

 

[Borris]

Ribs have broken off after 10,000 miles, also left a black rubber mark on the carpet to the left of the clutch peddle. Will not be buying again.

View attachment 30871

Thanks. That is exactly the same as on mine. Until I can get new ones I have placed a plastic bag underneath.
I see that like me, you also have a manual gearbox Cali. Perhaps this issue only effects manuals. I am now wondering what to get to replace the now discontinued monster mats.

 

[Amarillo]

Over 40,000 Km and Monster Mats given free with purchase going strong.

150 DSG Beach


Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Meoncoast]

hanks. That is exactly the same as on mine. Until I can get new ones I have placed a plastic bag underneath.
I see that like me, you also have a manual gearbox Cali. Perhaps this issue only effects manuals. I am now wondering what to get to replace the now discontinued monster mats.

Our short life Monster mats were used in DSG