We all like saving money and taking shortcuts here and there can pay off in the long run – like using coupons at the grocery store or driving a little out of your way to fill up on cheaper gas. But there are some things you shouldn’t skimp on, and improvements to your vehicle are high on the list. Floor mats might seem trivial, but they’re surprisingly important to the overall aesthetic and quality of your vehicle’s interior, not to mention the resale value of your car. If you want to keep your car feeling new as long as possible or plan on selling it one day down the line, buying the right floor mats now can pay off in spades. Universal floor mats are made to fit as many vehicles as possible, but custom floor mats are specifically designed for your vehicle’s exact configuration.

Read on to find out the difference between these two types of floor mats, and why one type is the clear winner for your vehicle.

1. Quality

If the quality of your accessories matters to you, universal floor mats might not be the right fit for you — unless you know you’re investing in a quality product. The manufacturers of some universal car mats know that price point is the most important factor for their customers, so they strive to use the cheapest materials possible to make that happen. Custom car mats are designed with high-quality materials to last you years to come, whereas subpar universal car mats will start to show wear and tear after one or two seasons. If you need a short-term solution, cheap universal car mats are a quick fix, but custom car mats will definitely get you the most bang for your buck long term.

2. Fit

The fit of the mats is usually the most important differentiator between custom and universal mats. Universal car mats come in 2-4 sizes, and they’re designed to fit as many cars on the road as possible. This means that they will never fit your exact car’s configuration perfectly, but they may fit it well enough. And remember, if you opt for the quality universal mats, well enough may be all you need.

Custom car mats, on the other hand, are designed to the exact layout of your vehicle, so edges should be flush and there should be no bunching or sliding. This will help protect your carpets over the long run since dirt and liquids won’t be able to get trapped underneath the carpet — and this is incredibly important if you have an active, messy lifestyle. Installation is incredibly easy with custom floor mats, since there should be no fitment issues, whereas universal floor mats might require some wrangling.

3. Cost

If cost is important to you, universal floor mats might be your best bet. They are designed to be affordable and provide basic protection so if this is all you need, these are likely what you should get.

Custom fit floor mats are indeed more expensive, since engineers have to get the exact measurements and layout of every vehicle, including the newest models. Plus, they have to be custom-made each time, which is a lengthy, costly fabrication process as opposed to the universal mat process where only 2-4 sizes will ever be made. Custom floor mats may be more expensive at the get-go, but they’re a great investment long-term if you’ll be staying in the same vehicle.

The choice is up to you, and depends on your lifestyle, budget and vehicle. Use this article to help you make an informed choice.