
The panel under the trunk lid is called a trunk mat, which integrates functions such as water absorption, dust absorption, stain removal, sound insulation, and protection of the trunk carpet. The trunk mat can protect the car trunk, preventing dirt or liquids from entering and eroding the trunk surface. It also prevents items in the trunk from sliding, reducing the likelihood of interior contamination and damage. The thick base material can block noise from the chassis and tires, improving driving comfort. Here are some key points for selection: 1. Check the pattern: The anti-slip feature of the trunk mat comes from its surface texture, which fits well with the car surface to prevent slipping and ensure the safety of items, especially important for storing glass products. 2. Consider environmental friendliness: When purchasing a trunk mat, always check for any unpleasant odors. Avoid buying cheap products with strong odors, as they can pollute the air inside the car, harbor bacteria, and harm the owner's health over time. 3. Assess comfort: A good trunk mat also has sound insulation and noise reduction capabilities, is resistant to cold, high temperatures, and moisture, making it suitable for year-round use without frequent replacement.

In our veteran driver circles, this thing is called the trunk foam module, or some simply refer to it as the spare tire well foam pad. Having run an auto repair shop for over a decade, the most common issue I've seen is owners accidentally spilling drinks into it, causing the foam to absorb water and mold. The primary purpose of this pad isn't sound insulation, but rather to secure the vehicle tools and jack, preventing them from rattling around in the trunk. Some high-end cars even hide anti-theft screws and emergency kits beneath this foam layer—just be gentle when prying open the clips during removal, as they can break easily. For replacement, simply visit a 4S shop with your car model info; it's a matter of around a hundred yuan.

Last time when I helped my sister organize her new car's trunk, I pointed at that beige foam block and asked the salesperson, who referred to it as a luggage compartment divider. The design is quite clever: it not only fills the grooves of the spare tire well but also has various small compartments carved out according to the shape of the tools. I noticed that modern car models have switched to eco-friendly materials, unlike the old Santana's foam that would crumble when squeezed. Modding enthusiasts love to modify this area—some hollow out the foam to install subwoofers, but I wouldn't recommend doing that since the original design's load-bearing capacity is carefully considered.

Auto parts market vendors commonly refer to it as a spare tire cover panel. I usually make deliveries driving a Wuling Hongguang, and this foam padding has been crushed flat by me twice. It actually has a three-layer structure: the top layer is felt, the middle is high-density foam, and the bottom has anti-slip granules. When replacing it, I noticed a detail: foam hardness varies significantly between brands. Japanese car brands use sponge-like foam, while German car brands use yoga-brick-like foam. Never opt for cheap, inferior products—some car owners ended up with recycled material versions that warped under summer heat. Nowadays, TPE-material one-piece mats are trending as they're washable, but the OEM foam compartments are better for organized storage.


