It’s time for something that makes you go, hmmm! Do you know what creates that new car smell?
I must admit, the new car smell isn’t what I thought it was. Actually, like many of you, I’ve never thought much about it. A new car smell comes with a new car. Duh! What else is there to know?
No one tells a car salesperson, “Don’t forget. I want the new car smell,” when buying a new Ford truck. The scent is right up there with the 20 or so standard features like anti-locking brakes and airbags.
The smell is expected.
There can be no buyer’s remorse for the fresh, right-off-the assembly-line scent. Buy a new sport-utility vehicle, truck, or car; the new car smell is guaranteed—a real delight for most buyers.
Have you noticed, the smell doesn’t even clash with your perfumes or a male’s cologne? We want the new car scent every time we buckle up to be like the first time.
Who wants to buy a car that doesn’t smell brand new? Although there’s nothing strange about this expectation, the same can’t be said about the smell.
So, what’s this new car smell that waffles from the interior?
Drum roll, please!
The new car smell is 50 or more chemicals!
That’s right; I said 50 chemicals! These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds (VOC).
I don’t want to alarm you, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a petty complex definition for VOC.
What does this mean in layman’s terms?
Forget the technical term; simply put, things like latex, plastic, and polyurethane produce VOCs as chemical byproducts. What we smell from the car’s materials are the byproducts or particles released in the air. The plastic from the steering wheel emits VOCs. The scents from the polyurethane in the seats also sound off.
The new car smell is a symphony of odors from the VOCs emitted from the car’s new interior. People like this scent so well that it’s sold as an air freshener.
Tell your husband or another male about the VOCs, and I bet they will say, “I know that.” It’s just their macho attitude—they want us to think they know everything about cars.
I asked my husband if he knew what created the new car smell. He said it comes from the carpet, plastics, and other things in the car. He was right. But he didn’t know the technical term, VOC or volatile organic compounds..
So, don’t hesitate to break it down if they don’t know.
The volatile organic compounds are automatically released and saturate the air inside the car for a certain period. Yep, the new car smell will disappear one day, not unlike the smell of a new leather purse or coat.
There’s a term for the release of VOCs in the air—outgassing. I guess you could say some outgassing, the release of gas or vapor into the air, is more pleasant than others.
I’ve never had a problem with a new car smell. But some people may not like it.. And the odors may trigger an adverse reaction for some: eye irritation, headaches, or other conditions. Letting down the windows to let fresh air in is a practical way to limit VOCs or exposure to the new car smell.
Don Cornelius, the legendary producer and host of the legendary show, Soul Train used to say, “You can bet ya last money; it’s gonna be a stone gas honey.”
As far as the new car smell—You can bet your money, your new car will be a stone gas, honey!
I’m hoping to get a new car one day. And yes, I expect and welcome the new car smell.
Be safe.