Have you ever walked into a car dealership and been completely overwhelmed by that intoxicating new car smell? It’s a feeling that instantly transports you to a sense of luxury, freedom, and excitement. But have you ever wondered, can you actually buy that new car smell?
What is That Smell?
That intoxicating aroma isn’t actually the smell of new leather or plastic. It’s a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from various materials used in the car’s interior, such as:
- Plastics: Most car interiors are made of various types of plastic, which release VOCs like formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene.
- Leather: While genuine leather can have a pleasant aroma, it also releases VOCs like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
- Fabrics: Seats, carpets, and other fabric elements can release VOCs like formaldehyde, toluene, and styrene.
- Glues and Adhesives: The glue and adhesives used to assemble the car’s interior can also release VOCs.
Does The Smell Fade?
Yes, unfortunately, that new car smell fades over time as the VOCs dissipate into the air. This is a natural process, and it’s actually a good thing because these VOCs can be harmful to your health in high concentrations.
Can You Buy New Car Smell?
While you can’t buy the exact same scent, there are several products that can replicate the new car smell:
- New Car Scent Sprays: These are readily available in most automotive stores and come in various scents like “leather,” “new car,” and “citrus.”
- Air Fresheners: Traditional car air fresheners can also be used to mask unpleasant odors and add a pleasant scent.
- Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, like lemon, orange, and lavender, can create a similar fresh and clean smell.
- Scent Diffusers: These devices use essential oils to create a continuous and adjustable fragrance for your car.
Here’s an example of a new car air freshener:
Can You Recreate The New Car Smell Yourself?
Yes, you can try to recreate the new car smell yourself by using a combination of:
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and seats to absorb odors and leave a fresh scent.
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean your car’s interior. Vinegar can neutralize odors and leave a clean scent.
- Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a cotton ball or a diffuser.
- Activated Charcoal: Place a small bag of activated charcoal in your car to absorb odors.
What’s The Best Way To Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh?
Here are some tips to keep your car smelling fresh:
- Regularly Clean Your Interior: Vacuum your carpets and seats, wipe down surfaces, and clean your dashboard.
- Air Out Your Car: Park your car in the sun or open your windows for a few minutes to air it out.
- Use A Car Air Freshener: Choose an air freshener with a scent that you enjoy and doesn’t overpower.
Here’s an image of a car parked in the sun with windows open:
Is New Car Smell A Sign Of Quality?
While the new car smell can be associated with a sense of luxury and quality, it’s not necessarily a good indicator of the car’s overall build quality. The smell is simply a byproduct of the materials used in the car’s interior.
What About The Health Effects Of New Car Smell?
As mentioned earlier, the new car smell is made up of VOCs, some of which can be harmful to your health. However, the concentration of these VOCs is typically low enough in a new car that it doesn’t pose a serious health risk.
Can You Test The Air Quality In Your Car?
Yes, there are devices available that can measure the level of VOCs in your car. However, these devices can be expensive, and it’s not generally necessary to test the air quality in your car unless you are concerned about the health effects of the new car smell.
What If You Have Allergies To New Car Smell?
If you have allergies to the new car smell, there are a few things you can do:
- Avoid New Cars: You can avoid new cars altogether and opt for a used car.
- Use An Air Purifier: You can use an air purifier in your car to filter out VOCs.
- Talk To Your Doctor: If you have severe allergies, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
What About The Smell Of A Used Car?
Used cars don’t have the same strong “new car smell” because the VOCs have already dissipated. However, used cars can still have odors from previous owners.
Here’s an example of a used car interior:
Frequently Asked Questions About New Car Smell
Here are some frequently asked questions about new car smell:
- How long does the new car smell last? The new car smell can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- Is the new car smell harmful to my health? The VOCs in the new car smell can be harmful to your health in high concentrations, but the concentration is typically low enough in a new car that it doesn’t pose a serious health risk.
- Can I get rid of the new car smell? You can use a variety of methods to get rid of the new car smell, such as baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and activated charcoal.
- How can I keep my car smelling fresh? Regularly clean your car’s interior, air it out, and use a car air freshener.
Need More Information?
If you have any more questions about new car smell or how to keep your car smelling fresh, you can always contact a car dealership or a professional car detailing service.
