Is Sun Exposure Necessary to Remove Formaldehyde from a New Car?
3 Answers
Sun exposure with windows open can be used to remove formaldehyde from a new car. However, this method is not recommended. The following outlines the hazards of exposing a car to prolonged sunlight: 1. Damage to the paint: It can harm the car's paint and accelerate the aging of the paint surface. Additionally, the window seals may age faster, leading to poor sealing and potential water leakage. 2. Release of toxic gases from the interior: Prolonged sun exposure can cause the interior materials to emit toxic gases. Materials such as leather, fabric, composite materials, and rubber in the interior can release harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when exposed to sunlight.
I've bought several new cars, and each time there's a pungent smell when I get the new car. People say that exposing it to the sun can remove formaldehyde, so I've tried it a few times. I parked the car under the scorching sun for a whole day, and the temperature inside soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. The odor did lessen, but I noticed that the aging of the steering wheel and seats accelerated, with the leather starting to crack and plastic parts becoming brittle. Now I understand that exposing the car to the sun only speeds up the release of formaldehyde; it's not a permanent solution and can actually damage the car. I now recommend ventilating the car more often, especially by leaving a small gap when parked or using the air conditioning's external circulation for a few rounds. Car deodorizers like activated charcoal are also quite effective, affordable, and safe. The new car smell usually fades within a few months, so rushing to expose it to the sun might do more harm than good.
As a young enthusiast who enjoys researching automotive technology, I've looked into the data: Exposure to sunlight can indeed accelerate the release of formaldehyde and other VOCs through high temperatures, as heat increases molecular activity. However, this method has drawbacks—UV rays can damage interior materials like leather and plastic, and prolonged exposure may lead to discoloration or deformation. More importantly, formaldehyde release in new cars is a continuous process; sun exposure only temporarily reduces concentration and cannot completely eliminate it. I've practiced better solutions: installing an in-car air purifier or using an air conditioning system with ozone function, which is safer and more efficient. When parking, choose shaded areas and combine with ventilation to maintain stable air quality inside the vehicle. Never rely solely on sun exposure—the risks are too high.
