The Nissan Altima 2013–2018 is a reliable, efficient, and comfortable sedan loved by commuters, families, and daily drivers alike. But no matter how well your Altima performs, one area that needs constant protection is the interior flooring. Whether you're dealing with muddy shoes, spilled drinks, or winter slush, your floor mats take a daily beating—and choosing the right kind makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll compare all-weather mats and carpet mats to help you decide which is best for your Nissan Altima. We’ll look at protection, ease of cleaning, durability, comfort, and more. Plus, we’ll recommend Car Mats Customs products designed to fit your Altima perfectly, so you never have to worry about mismatched mats again.
Why Floor Mats Matter in the Nissan Altima
Many drivers overlook floor mats as simple accessories, but they’re actually your first line of defense against stains, odors, and wear. The Altima’s OEM carpet isn’t built to resist the elements or accidents—it can absorb moisture and dirt, and once it's stained, it’s hard to fully restore. The right mats will:
- Protect your factory carpet from mud, snow, spills, and debris
- Prevent long-term damage and mold growth
- Make cleaning easier and faster
- Enhance the look and feel of your interior
Choosing between all-weather and carpet mats depends on your lifestyle, climate, and personal preferences. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of each style for your Altima.
All-Weather Mats: Ultimate Protection, Year-Round
All-weather mats are designed to take abuse. Built from durable rubber, thermoplastic, or synthetic polymers, they offer a waterproof surface with raised edges and channels that trap moisture and debris. If you deal with dirty shoes, pet messes, or unpredictable weather, this is your go-to solution.
Top Benefits of All-Weather Mats:
- Waterproof & Spill-Resistant: Great for wet climates, rainy days, or snowy winters
- Easy to Clean: Just remove, shake out, hose down, and dry
- Custom-Fit Options: Our Luxury Car Mat Set is precision-cut for the Nissan Altima 2013–2018
- Durability: Won’t crack, fade, or fray even with heavy use
These mats are ideal for:
- Drivers in wet, snowy, or dusty regions
- Families with kids or pets
- Rideshare drivers who want maximum cleanliness
If you live a busy lifestyle, your mats need to keep up. That’s where all-weather designs excel.
Carpet Mats: Plush Feel, OEM Look
Carpet mats are the traditional choice for a reason. With a soft texture and factory-style finish, they provide a more upscale look and feel. High-quality carpet mats come with anti-slip backing and can be custom-fit just like their all-weather counterparts.
Top Benefits of Carpet Mats:
- Comfort: Soft underfoot, perfect for long drives
- Style: Offers a clean, polished, and factory-matched appearance
- Custom Cut: Our Base Carpet Trunk Mat offers a seamless aesthetic and light-duty protection
- Noise Reduction: Slightly quieter than rubber mats
Carpet mats are best for:
- Dry climates with less exposure to moisture
- Drivers prioritizing comfort or appearance
- Owners who prefer a soft, non-industrial look
If your Altima is your personal retreat or city commuter and doesn’t see much harsh weather, carpet mats might be just what you need.
Durability and Wear Comparison
When comparing long-term durability, all-weather mats take the lead. Their materials are built to handle snow, ice, dirt, and spills without degrading. Carpet mats, while still strong, may fade or flatten over time—especially in high-traffic zones like the driver’s footwell.
Our Luxury Set uses high-grade materials engineered to resist cracking, warping, and curling even in extreme weather. Meanwhile, our Full-Cover Trunk Mat offers long-lasting rear cargo protection regardless of the season.
Seasonal Performance: Which Mats Work Best When?
Your location and the time of year play a big role in which mats are more effective for your Nissan Altima 2013–2018. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide:
Winter and Rainy Seasons
- Best Choice: All-weather mats
- Why: Slush, salt, and water can seep into carpet and cause stains or mildew. All-weather mats trap and contain the mess, protecting your floors from damage.
Spring and Summer
- Best Choice: Either option, depending on your needs
- Why: If you want comfort and a luxury feel, carpet mats are ideal for dry, warm conditions. But if your summer includes beach days, camping, or rainy afternoons, stick with weatherproof options.
Cleaning and Maintenance: All-Weather Wins
All-weather mats are far easier to maintain. When they get dirty, you can simply pull them out, hose them off, and air dry. This makes them ideal for busy drivers and those in messy environments.
Carpet mats require more work: vacuuming, scrubbing with carpet cleaner, and longer drying times. If they absorb too much moisture without drying properly, they may develop mildew or unwanted odors.
Want to avoid damaging your mats during cleaning? Read our full guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them.
Use-Case Scenarios: Which Mats Fit Your Lifestyle?
Daily City Driver
If you’re mostly commuting in a dry urban area, carpet mats offer a stylish, comfortable option. You’ll enjoy a polished look without needing heavy-duty protection.
Suburban Family Vehicle
Transporting kids, groceries, and gear? Go with all-weather mats. They can take the brunt of spills, crumbs, and rainy-day messes with ease.
Outdoor Weekend Warrior
Frequent trips to hiking trails, lakes, or the beach? All-weather mats paired with a Matching Trunk Mat will keep your floors clean, even when your shoes and cargo aren’t.
Luxury Interior Fan
If you prioritize a refined aesthetic, choose carpet mats with a tailored look and use seat covers like our Custom Leather Seat Covers to match the upscale vibe.
Trunk Protection: Often Overlooked, Always Important
The trunk is one of the highest-risk areas for spills and odors—yet it’s often ignored when buying mats. Whether you’re hauling groceries, gym gear, or camping supplies, you need a barrier to keep liquids and dirt away from your factory carpet.
For serious coverage, the Matching Trunk Mat gives you full edge-to-edge protection. Prefer a lighter-duty solution? Our Base Trunk Mat adds traction and waterproofing without the full wraparound design.
Related Blog Posts to Check Out
- Step-by-Step Guide to Buying the Perfect Floor Mats
- Best All-Weather Seat Covers for Nissan Altima 2013–2018
- How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats
Final Thoughts: Which Mat Is Right for Your Altima?
When it comes to choosing between all-weather and carpet mats for your Nissan Altima 2013–2018, it all comes down to how you use your car and what you prioritize—protection, comfort, or style. Both options have their strengths, and many drivers find value in switching between them seasonally.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Choose All-Weather Mats If: You live in a wet or snowy area, have kids or pets, or want easy-clean, rugged protection. Try our Luxury Car Mat Set.
- Choose Carpet Mats If: You prefer comfort and a premium look in a drier climate or mostly drive alone. Start with our Base Trunk Mat for style that still protects.
Many Altima owners keep both styles on hand—swapping in all-weather mats during the rainy months and switching to carpet mats in the spring or summer. No matter what you choose, opting for Car Mats Customs ensures a precision fit, durable materials, and long-lasting interior protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-weather mats better than carpet mats?
All-weather mats offer superior protection from moisture, dirt, and heavy wear. They’re ideal for harsh climates or high-traffic vehicles. Carpet mats offer more comfort and aesthetics in clean, dry conditions.
Do custom mats really fit better than universal ones?
Yes. Custom-fit mats from Car Mats Customs are made specifically for the Nissan Altima 2013–2018. They contour to your floor’s exact shape for better coverage, reduced slipping, and cleaner appearance.
Can I use both types of mats throughout the year?
Absolutely. Many drivers use all-weather mats in winter and carpet mats in summer. This hybrid approach extends the life of both sets and lets you match the season or your current driving needs.
What’s the best way to clean each type?
All-weather mats can be hosed off and left to dry. Carpet mats need vacuuming and shampooing, then air drying. Check out our cleaning guide for more tips: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats.
Should I protect my trunk too?
Yes. Trunks see just as much mess as footwells. A full-coverage trunk liner or base mat protects your cargo area from spills, stains, and dirt.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Car Mats Customs is an independent brand offering custom-fit accessories and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer mentioned. Product fitment and compatibility are based on in-house research for the Nissan Altima 2013–2018.