Why does the new Mazda3 Axela have an odor?
2 Answers
There is an odor in the new Mazda3 Axela. Sources of the odor: The smell in the car mainly comes from leather, plastic, and adhesives, which definitely contain formaldehyde. Some substances are more harmful than formaldehyde but evaporate quickly, while formaldehyde can take several years or even over a decade to fully dissipate, making it particularly hazardous. Solutions to eliminate the odor: Open all four doors and the trunk, and expose the car to direct sunlight. After a few sessions of sun exposure, the smell will mostly disappear. While driving normally, keep the ventilation on—this method is very effective for removing odors and formaldehyde. Activated charcoal can also help eliminate formaldehyde. Keep plenty of activated charcoal in the new car, and the formaldehyde can be mostly adsorbed.
I bought a brand-new Mazda3 last year, and as soon as I got in, I noticed that strong plastic and glue smell, which made me feel a bit dizzy. When new cars leave the factory, the materials used in the seats, adhesives in the carpets, and plastic components still contain residual chemicals that gradually release odors, similar to other new cars. The smell naturally fades a bit after a few days of driving. I roll down the windows for half an hour during my daily commute to ventilate, and the odor has reduced significantly. Some people might mistakenly think this is dangerous, but it’s actually normal for new cars—just ensure proper air circulation. I recommend buying some activated charcoal bags to absorb the smell, but don’t worry about long-term effects. In most cases, the odor mostly dissipates within six months, and my car now smells completely clean. If the smell feels overwhelming right after purchase, using the AC’s external circulation mode can also help.
