Is the smell of your new car dangerous for your health?

One of the most entertaining aspects of buying a new car, aside from the thrill of having a new vehicle of course, is the smell of your most recent purchase. On the one hand, most people like that new-car smell. On the other hand, many have questioned whether or not it can be dangerous.

What we must understand is that a new-car smell is the result of a wide variety of products used in building a particular car’s cockpit. These products include adhesives, rubber, fabrics, glues, and solvents, and some of these products may give off VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which can be hazardous to your health.

On the other hand, there have been a few studies on the matter of whether or not VOCs are dangerous for your health, and so far there isn’t any definitive proof that is the case. Moreover, many automakers have taken steps in order to use higher-quality products in their interiors, thus limiting the potential dangers of the new-car smell.

That said, VOCs can cause dizziness and nausea in certain people, and it is therefore important that if you are more sensitive, you take steps to reduce their impact. That means making sure your cabin is ventilated and that you keep your vehicle out of the sun or very hot areas. If you can, keep the windows open when the vehicle is parked, but also when you are driving, and avoid sitting in the vehicle for prolonged periods of time.

You should also clean your interior as often as possible during the first six months. Use a microfiber towel and a non-toxic cleaner.

Thank you to Mercedes-Benz Ottawa for their help with this article