When the First Freeze Hits, Put Newspaper Under Your Floor Mat: An Old Winter Driving Trick

Winter moisture doesn't simply disappear after you get home. Water from snow and slush can remain underneath the floor mats and gradually reach the vehicle's metal floor. One old-school trick uses newspaper and a simple plastic grate to help keep that moisture under control. Here's how it works and what drivers need to know.

A wet floor mat can hide more than an annoying puddle during winter. Snow, mud and road salt get tracked into the cabin on your shoes, while moisture and salt can contribute to corrosion and rust on the floor pan.

A standard floor mat doesn't always handle all that moisture. Carpet mats absorb water, while rubber mats can eventually crack or deteriorate. That's why some drivers use an additional moisture-absorbing layer underneath the factory mat.

Newspaper Requires Regular Attention

The cheapest option is several layers of newspaper. Remove the floor mat, spread the paper across the area where water tends to collect, and put the mat back in place.

The paper absorbs some of the moisture and temporarily helps keep water from sitting directly against the metal floor.

There's one important catch: the newspaper needs to be replaced regularly. At a minimum, check it every couple of days and replace it sooner during a thaw or after a particularly wet drive.

Once the paper becomes soaked, it stops being useful and can actually become another source of moisture. Wet newspaper can also transfer ink onto the floor covering.

A Plastic Grate Creates an Air Gap

Drivers who don't want to replace newspaper constantly can use a simple plastic grate, such as one designed for a sink. Placed underneath the floor mat, it raises the mat slightly above the floor and creates an air gap that allows moisture to dry more easily.

The plastic grate doesn't need to be replaced every day, but it should be removed and cleaned periodically to prevent dirt and salt from accumulating underneath it.

A metal grate isn't a good choice for this purpose because it can eventually rust itself. Before installing a plastic grate, wash it thoroughly and let it dry completely to remove dirt and any lingering odors that can become more noticeable inside a warm cabin.

Combining Both Methods Works Better

A practical setup combines the two approaches. Place the plastic grate underneath the floor mat and put newspaper above the grate. The grate creates an air gap, while the paper absorbs some of the moisture.

If the setup slides around when you get in or out of the vehicle, the edges can be secured with double-sided tape. Make sure nothing interferes with the pedals, seat movement or other vehicle controls.

There are other useful winter maintenance habits, too. Before winter arrives, inspect the floor and underside of the vehicle and consider applying an appropriate corrosion-protection treatment. After driving through snow or heavy rain, remove the floor mats and allow the carpet and floor to dry thoroughly.

Newspaper isn't a substitute for drying the cabin or protecting the vehicle against corrosion. It is simply a cheap temporary barrier against winter moisture.

A plastic grate is more practical for regular use, while combining it with replaceable absorbent material can provide an inexpensive way to keep moisture from sitting underneath the floor mat all winter.