Is the Smell of a New Car Formaldehyde?
4 Answers
The smell of a new car is not just formaldehyde. About 90% of new cars have a certain odor, and most of them exceed the standard levels of gases like formaldehyde. Methods to remove formaldehyde: 1. Open windows frequently for ventilation. Formaldehyde is related to temperature—higher temperatures lead to higher concentrations, so parking the car in direct sunlight can help; 2. Use bamboo charcoal bags. Bamboo charcoal has a porous structure with strong adsorption capacity, which can absorb harmful gases like formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car; 3. In-car air purifiers can filter the air inside the vehicle, effectively removing pollutants like PM2.5, toxic gases, odors, bacteria, and viruses, but windows must be closed during use; 4. Photocatalysts, similar to regular air fresheners, are liquid-based with titanium dioxide as the main component. When exposed to ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial sources, they react to produce substances that can break down organic compounds and their nutrients.
The smell of a new car isn't entirely from formaldehyde, but it is part of it. Plastics, carpets, adhesives, and leather in the car release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, including chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. When I first bought my new car, the smell was quite strong, and I later learned from research that these mainly affect the air quality inside the car. Ventilation is key, especially in high summer temperatures when more chemicals are released. I recommend keeping the windows open for a few weeks or using activated charcoal bags to absorb odors. Choosing car models with eco-friendly materials can help reduce the issue. Long-term exposure might be harmful to the respiratory system, but with normal use, the smell will naturally fade. Don't worry too much—regular maintenance can speed up the process.
When it comes to new car smell, I always think of it as a signal of mixed chemicals, with formaldehyde often present but not the only one. Based on experience, modern cars use complex materials, and plastic components and adhesives all contain such substances, which are slowly released during use. As a car owner, I always prioritize ventilation when buying a new car, opening the windows for a few minutes before driving on the highway or installing an in-car air purifier. This method is simple and practical, and it also helps avoid dizziness. From an environmental perspective, manufacturers are reducing the use of VOCs, but if the smell is strong, testing formaldehyde levels isn’t troublesome. Overall, new car smell is most common in the first few months—don’t let it affect your ride comfort.
The new car smell isn't all formaldehyde, but it does contain some. When I first got my car, my family often complained about the strong odor, so we made sure to open the windows frequently, especially when parked outside to allow air circulation. After a month or two, the improvement was noticeable, reducing potential risks like headaches or allergies. Plastic seats and interior trim are the main sources, so I recommend regular cleaning of the car's interior or using natural air fresheners as an aid. When choosing a car, I always ask the salesperson about the material types—low-volatility options provide more peace of mind.
