There is something instantly you can recognise about stepping into a brand new car: that clean and distinctive scent. For many people, it signals freshness and excitement, but behind the ‘new car smell’, there is a mix of chemistry and psychology. While some car enthusiasts may find it comfortable and desirable, others may wonder what it really means for health and safety.
To bring clarity in all of these aspects, here we will look at the causes of the car interior smell, identify its safety concerns and how long it lasts.
What Causes the New Car Smell?
The odour of new cars usually comes from materials used during the automotive manufacturing process of vehicles such as SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, trucks, etc. These components consist of seats, carpets, dashboard, adhesive and plastic trims.
After car seating and other fabric materials are fitted, they release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The process is referred to as off-gassing, and this occurs when the chemical bonds of plastics and adhesives in cars begin to break down and emit their molecules into the air.
Common Sources of the New Car Smell
Several materials inside your vehicle give rise to this unique odour:
1. Dashboard and Plastic Trim: Made from polymers that release VOCs during the first few months. Car Seats: Leather, synthetic, or foam materials emit a certain kind of smell. Adhesives and Sealants: Used to bond various parts of the car’s interior.
2. Floor Mats and carpets: Since these are made from rubber and nylon, they might emit chemical odours.
3. Coatings or paints: Different kinds of paints or coatings also release a smell when freshly applied.
So, when talking about new car smell, these are some of the components that create that particular odour.
The Science of VOCs in Cars
The chemicals in new car smell are mainly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which easily turn into gases at room temperature. In automobiles, they come from plastic, adhesives, sealants and upholstery.
As these materials cure and age, they release VOCs into the air. This process is specifically intensified by heat and cars that have limited ventilation.
Some of the commonly found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cars include:
| Compound |
Source in the Car Interior |
Possible Effects |
| Formaldehyde |
Upholstery and adhesives |
Eye and throat irritation |
| Benzene |
Paints, plastics and synthetic fibers |
Headaches, dizziness |
| Toluene |
Carpets, adhesives and foams |
Fatigue and nausea |
| Styrene |
Plastics and rubber |
Respiratory irritation |
While these chemicals responsible for new car smell, most emissions vanish within the first few months in most vehicles.
Is New Car Smell Harmful?
Car interior smell can raise health concerns if VOCs are released from the plastics, glues, and fabrics from the vehicle’s interior. Short-term effects of higher VOC concentration can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea or irritation in the eyes or throat.
These conditions may occur if your car has been parked in a heated environment or the windows are closed for an extended period.
While individual chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde can be harmful in large doses. Odour inside new cars is usually not high enough to bring the long-term health effects of new car smell.
How Long Does the New Car Smell Last?
The car interior smell is strongest in the first few weeks after making the purchase. During this period, VOCs are being released most rapidly from plastics, adhesives and upholstery.
Over time, these compounds off-gass and disperse. For most vehicles, the smell noticeably decreases within a few months, although faint traces can stay up to six months. This happens when the car has been constantly parked on heated surfaces or has low ventilation.
Car interior off-gassing can be more severe since the heat accelerates the degradation of chemicals on cars parked under direct sunlight. In such situations, you can open windows or use fans for faster escape of VOCs.
Why People Love The Smell Of New Cars?
The new car odour is appealing to a large number of the population because it introduces freshness, novelty and glory to cars. This smell is also directly related to memory and emotion, as our sense of smell is directly related to areas in the brain that store experience and emotions. Simultaneously, the smell of a new car can create excitement, pride or a sense of satisfaction for making a big purchase.
Another aspect of the aroma is its association with a clean environment, which often comes after the car service.
Can You Recreate or Remove the New Car Smell?
If you are wondering ‘how to make your car smell new again’, you can go for air fresheners that replicate the scent of new cars. Although a lot of drivers like the smell, some of them prefer getting rid of it due to concern over volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In both instances, the smell does not last long, and there is only a method of artificial replacement that will restore it after fading. To help you with that, you can approach to car detailing Adelaide as they bring multiple options to personalise automobile vehicles.
Conclusion
The smell of a new car is not merely pleasant, but it is a combination of chemical compounds and human senses. Although it may create enthusiasm and pride, it also brings up health and safety issues. The smell passes by itself when the materials become settled, but its appeal endures as a symbol of freshness and new beginnings.
FAQs
1. What are the main causes of the new car smell?
Plastics, adhesives, and car upholstery materials are the primary sources of the smell of new cars. The new materials cause cars to smell different in the first few months.
2. Is new car smell dangerous for health?
The smell of the new car in itself is not very harmful, yet it is caused by VOCs, which can lead to slight irritation. The long periods of time spent in cars with limited air circulation might make the exposure unpleasant, but it is unlikely that it will cause serious consequences on long-term health.
3. How long does the new car smell last?
The evaporation of VOCs slows down in two to three months, making the car lose the new-car smell. However, the traces of the smell can take six months or longer in hotter regions or with little airflow.
4. What is the science behind new car smell?
Car smell science can be explained by the fact that VOCs transform into gases at room temperature and fill the inside of the car. The smell is more intense due to heat and air flow restrictions, which increase the rate of chemical release.
5. Can you remove new car smell from a vehicle?
You can remove the new car smell of a car by regularly ventilating it, using air purifiers, and keeping the windows open. These measures are beneficial in dispersing VOCs and ensuring the flow of fresh air in your car’s interior.
