The “new car smell” that you experience when you first get into a new vehicle is actually a complex mixture of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the materials used inside the car’s interior. This distinctive scent is enjoyed by many new car owners and has even been bottled and sold to allow people to make their cars smell new again. But what exactly causes this smell? Let’s take a closer look at the chemicals responsible for that showroom fresh aroma.
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Major Chemical Contributors to New Car Smell
Benzene derivatives
Several benzene derivatives are used in the manufacture of plastics, foams, adhesives, coatings, and fabrics inside vehicles. These include chemicals like ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene. Benzene compounds impart a sweet, aromatic scent.
Aldehydes
The aldehyde chemical family includes formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and butyraldehyde. These are released from adhesives, plastics, synthetic leathers, and rubber materials in new cars. Aldehydes have a pungent odor.
Plasticizers
Plasticizers are added to plastics and vinyls to make them softer and more flexible. Common plasticizers used in automotive parts include phthalates and adipates, which have faint sweet smells.
Alkanes
Alkanes like hexane, heptane, and octane are ingredients in rubber products and solvents that evaporate easily, producing aromatic notes.
Terpenes
The terpenes alpha-pinene and d-limonene are used to scent cleaning products and air fresheners. They have a crisp, piney aroma.
Texanol
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, more commonly known as Texanol, is a widely used coalescing solvent that allows coatings to flow and spread better before drying. It has a mild, sweet odor.
How These Chemicals Produce the New Car Smell
The new car smell is produced by the evaporation and outgassing of VOCs from the various new materials inside the car’s cabin. Here are some of the main sources and processes:
– Adhesives used to bind interior parts release aldehydes, benzene compounds, and plasticizers into the air as they cure.
– Solvents used in paints, coatings, cleaners, and lubricants contain alkanes and terpenes that escape into the air as they dry.
– Plastics, vinyls, synthetic leathers, and rubber materials outgas plasticizers, benzene derivatives, and alkanes that make them soft and flexible.
– The heat from the sun and the occupants’ bodies accelerates the emission of these VOCs from interior surfaces.
– Air conditioning and heating systems circulate air, distributing these chemical molecules throughout the cabin.
The combination of these various VOCs at specific concentrations produces that beloved new car aroma. But it dissipates over time as the interior materials fully cure and chemical reserves become depleted.
Health Concerns Over New Car Smell
Irritation and allergy symptoms
While pleasurable to many, new car smell can cause irritation and allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals. Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation can result from exposure to elevated levels of VOCs in new cars. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are also possible.
Potential carcinogens
Several VOCs present in new car smell are considered potentially carcinogenic, like benzene and formaldehyde. Long-term exposure to even low levels may increase cancer risk.
Impact on children
Children are especially vulnerable to chemical emissions and may experience exacerbated reactions or health effects. New car exposure should be minimized for kids.
Tips for Reducing Exposure to New Car Smell
Roll down windows
Opening windows allows fresh air in and VOCs to dissipate rather than recirculate in the cabin. This also reduces temperature and off-gassing.
Use vent settings wisely
Set your ventilation system to bring in fresh outside air rather than recirculating interior air. Avoid heat if possible, as higher temps increase VOC release.
Air it out
Park your new car outside and open all doors for a period of time to aid off-gassing before longer rides. Remove all new car deodorizers and scents.
Consider cabin air filters
Upgrading your cabin air filter to an activated carbon one can help remove some VOCs from the incoming air.
Drive with vents closed
Initially driving with vents directed away from passengers can reduce exposure. Once VOCs dissipate, vents can be reopened.
Conclusion
The complex mix of chemicals that produce new car smell, while pleasing to many owners, can also pose health risks. Being aware of the main chemical contributors, taking steps to reduce initial exposure, and allowing time for VOC levels to dissipate before prolonged rides can help minimize potential irritation and long-term risks. As the interior off-gassing decreases over time, you can safely enjoy that new car without the same risks.