Nothing quite compares to the smell of a new car. It might not be exactly fresh, but it’s definitely a clean, unused scent. No one else’s smells have gotten into the car yet; it’s like a clean slate just for you and your own unique scent. If you’re fancy, it might even have a hint of leather smell, or if you’re practical, it might just smell like new vinyl before anyone has spilled anything on it. Either way, it’s the result of a decision you made and committed to paying for over the next few years.
But what exactly is new car smell? Well, it’s not as romantic as it sounds. It’s actually a mix of around 50 to 60 chemicals, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that are off-gassing in your car. These are the same chemicals that can leave a greasy film on your car’s windshield. At the levels found in new cars, these chemicals aren’t really dangerous, but they’re not exactly like walking through a field of flowers either. They break down pretty quickly, about 20 percent each week, so the smell doesn’t stick around for too long. That’s why it’s called new car smell, not five-year-old car smell.
Even though many people love the smell of a new car, car manufacturers are trying to get rid of it. It’s not that they don’t like the smell, but they’d rather not use the chemicals that create it if they can avoid it. Nowadays, they’re using materials in cars that have fewer VOCs, like seats made with soy-based foam, which don’t release as many chemicals and don’t really have a smell. In the future, we might only be able to get new car smell from a bottle. But don’t worry, the fragrances in those bottles won’t have any dangerous chemicals—they’ll be made to mimic the smell without any of the risks.
The 5 VOCs That Make Up Most of That Smell
While there are many chemicals contributing to the new car smell, five common VOCs make up most of the scent you notice:
- Toluene: This solvent, often found in nail polish removers, is used in paints, glues, and as an anti-knock agent in gasoline.
- Ethylbenzene: Another solvent, this colorless, flammable gas smells like gasoline and is used in paint production. It breaks down into other chemicals in a few days.
- Styrene: A synthetic chemical used in rubber, insulation, and carpet backing, among other materials. It breaks down quickly once released into the air.
- Xylenes: A sweet-smelling liquid found in coal tar and petroleum, used as a solvent in rubber and leather industries.
- Trimethylbenzene: This aromatic liquid, with a strong odor, is used in solvents, thinners, and as an additive in auto fuel. It breaks down in sunlight.
If you’re not a fan of these chemicals, simply opening your windows can help clear them out of your car more quickly and speed up their breakdown process.