Why does the car smell bad?
2 Answers
In the case of a bad smell in the car, it is necessary to clean the evaporator and the air conditioning ducts. Almost all new cars contain several toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, and xylene, which are the main toxic substances causing air pollution inside new cars. The leather seats, chemically treated decorative panels, and easily accessible engineering plastics, rubber, and synthetic fabrics in the car will emit unpleasant odors when the car is new or during extreme weather (after exposure to the sun), affecting people's health and safety. The sources of odors in the car usually come from three aspects. First, from the new car itself: cars are composed of many components, and if the harmful gases and odors in these components are not sufficiently released, they can pollute the cabin for a long time. Second, from the interior decorations: the harmful gases contained in the decorative materials, including benzene, formaldehyde, acetone, and xylene, can cause varying degrees of air pollution inside the car. Third, due to the use of air conditioning or poor cabin sealing, pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and evaporated gasoline can enter the car and cause pollution.
I've experienced the issue of a smelly car several times, mainly due to forgotten food crumbs or spilled beverages. For instance, after a picnic with my kids, biscuit crumbs fell under the carpet and weren't cleaned promptly, leading to rot and odor. Pet hair or urine smells are also common, and air conditioners can accumulate dust or mold over time, with the smell becoming more noticeable in summer when the AC is on. I believe the key solution is regular cleaning—weekly trash removal and vacuuming, especially in seat crevices and trunk corners. Ventilation is crucial; open windows to allow air circulation. For strong odors, replace the AC filter or use disinfectant sprays instead of masking with perfumes, which can confuse the issue. Preventively, avoid leaving food residues in the car for long, and train pets to avoid accidents.
