Car expert explains what 'new car smell' actually is and why you can't recreate it
We've all been there before - whether it be your own or your parents', nothing beats that new car smell.
But what is it, and how is it caused?
The smell usually lingers in the weeks after picking up your fresh new vehicle, and it's one of the rare things that people universally agree on being a fan of.
It turns out that that lovely smell may not be all that good for us, if experts are to be believed.
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In fact, many car manufacturers are actually working to eliminate the odour once and for all.
Explanations have circulated on the likes of Reddit and YouTube, but the scientific reason behind all of it is quite chilling.
The bottom line is that you'll be glad to hear that the scent doesn't stick around forever, as nice as it is.
What is the new car smell?
Inexplicably, the smell comes across as a nice scent for many who experience it, but it turns out that it's primarily caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Scientifically, this is said to be 'off-gassing' in your car and they can be found in materials around the car, such as the seats, dashboard, or plastic components.
While they aren't typically in high enough concentrations to cause long-term issues, they aren't 100 percent safe either, as each new car is said to release 50 to 60 of these chemicals.
How dangerous are VOCs?
While VOCs are said to break down at a rate of 20 percent decay each week, meaning the smell goes fairly quickly, there's a reason manufacturers are working to get rid of them.
It's all to do with the chemicals involved in creating the smells in the first place, which can be harmful over time.
Materials such as soy-based foam seat cushions which don't have that new car smell, are an alternative being explored, though they have no scent at all.
An expert's explanation on VOCs
Hann is a YouTuber known for his content on cars and he revealed that VOCs contain a variety of chemicals, with these fumes being released from all the new components.
He claimed: "Inhaling it over time causes things like headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and even the risk of cancer."
The content creator added that this is why 'many car manufacturers are now trying their best to eliminate this new car smell that we all love'.
You may have noticed that some companies have even tried to recreate the smell in air fresheners by using synthetic fragrances, meaning you can enjoy a similarly satisfying scent without VOCs.
Health concerns
The threats are believed to come from potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, the former of which can be found in building materials, while the latter is known for its fruity odour.
New cars are advised to be aired out by driving with windows down to lessen your overall exposure to these and other VOCs.
Joshua Nair