How Often Should the Charcoal Bag in a New Car Be Replaced?
2 Answers
The charcoal bag in a new car should typically be replaced every 2 to 3 months. If used for too long, the activated carbon inside the bag will become saturated and lose its ability to absorb harmful substances, rendering it ineffective. Activated carbon is a microcrystalline carbon material made from carbon-containing materials. It appears black in color, has a highly developed internal pore structure, a large surface area, and strong adsorption capacity. It is commonly used as an adsorbent, catalyst, or catalyst carrier. Activated carbon can be classified by raw material source into: wood-based activated carbon, shell-based activated carbon, animal bone activated carbon, mineral-based activated carbon, synthetic resin activated carbon, rubber activated carbon, and recycled activated carbon. By appearance, it can be categorized into: powdered, granular, irregular granular, cylindrical, spherical, and fibrous forms.
I placed charcoal bags in my new car to absorb odors right after I bought it. After three months, I felt the smell returned, and the surface of the charcoal bags turned black. I consulted a mechanic, who said new cars have high formaldehyde levels, so it's best to replace the bags frequently in the first six months—every two to three months for better results. Exposing the charcoal bags to sunlight can restore some of their absorption capacity, but eventually, they need to be replaced. High temperatures inside the car cause the charcoal bags to lose effectiveness faster, so extra care is needed in summer. Regularly cleaning dust inside and outside the car also helps extend the lifespan of the charcoal bags. Remember, safety first—don’t delay replacing them to save money, as prolonged exposure to new car odors can harm your health.
