How to Solve the Strong Odor in Tucson?
3 Answers
Park the car in a safe open area, then open all doors and windows under the sun. After continuous exposure to sunlight for 2-3 days, most of the odors inside the car can be removed. The remaining odors can be eliminated by ensuring proper ventilation during daily driving. This is because sunlight exposure generates high temperatures inside the car, which activates harmful gases, allowing them to dissipate through the open windows and doors.
When I first bought my Tucson, the smell was quite strong, mainly due to volatile organic compounds from the new car's plastics and adhesives. Opening the windows for ventilation while driving is the crucial first step. Opening the windows for 5 minutes before setting off in the morning can dissipate a lot of the odor. Parking in the sun on bright days helps accelerate the release of odors, and I recommend doing this once a week. I also placed several activated charcoal bags under the seats, which are effective at absorbing odors but need to be replaced regularly. For cleaning the interior, use a neutral detergent to wipe down the dashboard and floor mats once a month to prevent bacterial growth. If the smell persists, it might be due to mold in the air conditioning system—check if the cabin air filter is dirty and replace it promptly.
The pungent odor inside the car poses significant health risks, especially for families with children. These smells mostly come from volatile organic compounds released by interior materials. Opening windows for ventilation helps but doesn't eliminate the problem. It's recommended to purchase professional odor-eliminating sprays with non-toxic natural ingredients like active oxidizers. Regularly clean the air conditioning system to prevent mold growth - either replace filters yourself or hire professionals for disinfection, and avoid parking in humid environments. Placing fresh fruits like lemon slices in the car can also naturally neutralize odors effectively.
