What Causes the Strong Odor Inside the Buick Excelle?
2 Answers
New car components such as genuine leather, PVC leather, plastic, rubber, and auxiliary materials used in the production process of parts naturally release small amounts of odorous substances. Typically, these odors gradually diminish after 3 months of use and may take over 6 months to fully dissipate. Harmless Odors: Some of these odors are harmless. For instance, premium vehicles often use genuine leather interiors which have their own distinct scent—such odors are harmless. Harmful Odors: However, some odors can be harmful. Certain automakers, in an effort to cut costs, may compromise on the quality control of interior materials, selecting materials that inherently emit strong odors. These odors might persist long-term. Additionally, after purchasing a new car, some owners may install self-procured seat covers or floor mats that haven't undergone the stringent screening by the original manufacturer, potentially introducing harmful gases. Primary components of these harmful gases include aldehydes and benzene, mostly derived from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause significant long-term health damage.
As a long-time Buick owner, I can tell you that the odor in the Excelle mainly comes from three sources: First, the smell from interior materials, especially the leather scent from the dashboard and seats after summer sun exposure. When I first got the car, I had to open the doors 10 minutes early every day to air it out, and even after three years, there's still a slight odor. Second, the musty smell from the AC system - the most overlooked part is the evaporator corners. During my last maintenance, they opened it up to find full of dust and mold spots. I recommend cleaning the AC ducts before each seasonal change. Third, food and beverage odors left behind - last time my kid spilled milk tea in the back seat, it took two weeks for the smell to completely dissipate from the carpet. To tackle odors, you need to address the root causes. Charcoal bags only provide temporary absorption. It's best to get professional interior cleaning plus ozone disinfection, and don't forget to check under the trunk mat for any accumulated water or mold.
