The “new car smell” is a very familiar scent that many people enjoy when buying a new vehicle. This distinctive odor is primarily caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from the various materials used to construct automobiles. New car smell tends to be most noticeable when you first get into a new car, and it usually diminishes over time. So how long does it take for that beloved new car fragrance to disappear?
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What Causes the New Car Smell?
While there are various components that contribute to the characteristic new car scent, the main sources are:
Plastics and Polymers
The plastics and polymers used to fabricate interior parts like the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, and seats release VOCs as they cure and heat up inside the car. The VOC molecules produce that fresh, clean odor.
Adhesives
Powerful adhesives are utilized during vehicle assembly to bind parts together. These also emit VOCs that become part of the new car smell.
Paints and Coatings
Fresh paint and protective coatings applied to the interior and exterior surfaces outgas VOCs that lend to the new car fragrance.
Leather
For vehicles outfitted with luxury leather upholstery, the leather tanning chemicals produce a signature leather scent.
Fabric
On cars with cloth upholstery, the dyeing and treatment chemicals applied to fabrics like carpeting, headliners, and seats also release VOCs as they cure.
How Long Does it Last?
The intensity and longevity of new car smell depends on several factors:
Air Circulation
More air circulation inside the car allows VOCs to dissipate faster. Driving with the windows down accelerates dissipation. Parking in an enclosed space slows the process.
Vehicle Materials
Lower-quality plastics and coatings that emit higher concentrations of VOCs produce stronger smell that persists longer. Luxury cars often have heightened new car fragrance.
Temperature
Heat and sun exposure speeds up the outgassing and breakdown of VOCs. Cars in hotter climates may lose new car scent faster.
Odor Suppressants
Some manufacturers apply odor-suppressing coatings to interior parts, trapping VOCs and reducing new car smell.
Air Fresheners
Aftermarket scented air fresheners can mask or overwhelm new car scent. Strong fresheners may speed diminishment.
Cleaning Products
Regular cleaning with products containing fragrances reduces new car smell over time.
Typical New Car Smell Duration
Though dependent on above factors, research indicates typical new car smell duration:
| 1-3 months | Initial intense new car scent |
| 3-6 months | Noticeable but fading smell |
| 6-12 months | Faint smells from minor sources |
| 12+ months | No longer detectable |
For most cars, the predominant new car fragrance subsides after 1-3 months of driving as the main VOC sources dissipate. Secondary odors linger for 6-12 months as minor components continue outgassing. After a year, smells are extremely faint or non-existent.
Preserving New Car Smell
If you want to prolong that evocative new car aroma, you can:
Park in Shade
Parking your car in a garage or shaded area prevents sun exposure from accelerating VOC breakdown.
Minimize Driving
The more you drive with windows down, the faster VOCs escape, so limit driving to preserve scent.
Avoid Car Fresheners
Aftermarket scented products designed to enhance new car smell can actually hasten its disappearance.
Detail Regularly
Gently detailing the interior frequently using mild cleaners will eliminate odors that could mask delicate new car smell.
Replace Filters
Switch out cabin air filters per manufacturer guidelines to maintain circulation of new car scent.
Use Odor-Locking Bag
You can place charcoal or odor-absorbing bags in the car to soak up competing smells while locking in new car fragrance.
Why Does New Car Smell Go Away?
New car scent gradually disappears as the initially high levels of VOCs from manufacturing materials decline over time through:
Outgassing
VOCs trapped in solid materials are released into the air through outgassing, especially when heated by car interior temps.
Oxidation
Chemical oxidation reactions triggered by heat and air degrade the VOCs and alter their aromatic qualities.
Absorption
Materials like fabrics, carpets, and seats absorb the VOC molecules, effectively capturing the smells.
Ventilation
Opening windows allows VOCs to be carried out of the cabin by air circulation, escaping into the atmosphere.
Transformation
VOCs combine with oxygen and environmental contaminants to transform into chemicals with less odor.
As VOCs dissipate through these processes, the scent profile of the car shifts from the dominating new car smell to just a faint essence.
Health Concerns
While many enjoy the new car fragrance, some individuals can have negative health reactions due to sensitivity or allergy to certain VOCs. Potential concerns include:
Eye, Nose, Throat Irritation
VOCs can irritate mucous membranes, causing itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sore throat.
Headaches
Some people develop headaches from new car smell, especially when driving or riding for extended periods in a recently manufactured automobile.
Nausea
New car scent has been associated with feelings of nausea or carsickness in sensitive occupants.
Breathing Difficulties
Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma may experience breathing problems due to VOC exposure.
Allergic Reactions
VOCs may trigger allergy symptoms in predisposed individuals, ranging from mild to potentially severe.
If you experience any adverse effects from new car smell, discuss your concerns with your physician. Consider steps to improve ventilation or use air purification measures if needed.
Tips for Reducing New Car Smell
Here are some tips for lessening that intense new car fragrance if it is bothersome:
Air Out Car
Open all doors and windows and let your car thoroughly air out for several hours to help VOCs dissipate faster.
Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on seats and carpets to absorb odors, then vacuum up after a few hours.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal air purifying bags can soak up VOCs and reduce new car smell. Replace bags regularly.
Drive with Windows Down
Driving with open windows allows more new car scent to escape from your vehicle’s cabin.
Ozone Generators
These devices can remove odors, but can produce harmful ozone if not used properly. Follow safety guidelines.
Aromatherapy Oils
Put a few drops of essential oils like lemon, peppermint or tea tree on cotton balls and place throughout car interior to mask scents.
Vinegar Wipes
Wiping down interior surfaces with diluted vinegar can help neutralize odors and VOCs emitting from parts.
Air Purifier
Portable car air purifiers with activated carbon filtration can capture VOCs and clear new car smell.
Safety of New Car Smell
While some are bothered by new car fragrance, it generally poses no serious risks for most people. The key facts on new car smell safety:
VOCs Decline Over Time
The highest levels of VOCs offgas when the car is brand new. Amounts significantly decrease within months.
No Definitive Health Link
Despite some complaints, no specific illnesses have been conclusively linked to new car smell itself.
Lower Concentrations
The VOC levels emitted in new cars are relatively low compared to other sources people commonly encounter.
No Carcinogens
The VOCs responsible for new car smell have not been shown to be carcinogenic, unlike some industrial compounds.
Meets Regulations
Automotive manufacturing materials meet vehicle safety standards and regulations for VOC emissions.
Typically Harmless
For the vast majority of the population, any VOCs inhaled in a new car are generally harmless and dissipate quickly.
Can Irritate Vulnerable Groups
Certain vulnerable groups like children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with allergies or asthma may experience irritation from prolonged new car VOC exposure.
So while not necessarily dangerous for most, new car smell may cause discomfort in sensitive individuals. Take precautions as needed.
Conclusion
The coveted new car smell that drivers cherish usually lingers for about 3-6 months before fading away. The scent is primarily attributed to VOCs from vehicle manufacturing materials being released when new. While VOCs dissipate over time through outgassing, absorption, and oxidation, some car owners try preserving the aroma by parking in shade, limiting drives, and using odor-locking bags. Though strong when new, VOCs decline to harmless low levels for most people within a year. But those sensitive to chemicals may need to reduce exposure to avoid irritation. With smart precautions, drivers can safely enjoy the memorable new car fragrance.