How cars get the “new car smell”

Cars get the “new car smell” primarily from the off‑gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and related chemicals emitted by fresh plastics, adhesives, foams, sealants, and upholstery inside the cabin; it’s not usually a deliberately added fragrance, and the scent typically fades over weeks to a few months as materials cure and ventilate. That distinctive aroma is a complex chemical blend produced by modern manufacturing and materials engineering, and while automakers increasingly work to minimize it, the first weeks of ownership are when the scent is most noticeable—especially in warm weather when off‑gassing accelerates.

What actually creates that scent

The “new car smell” is a mixture of trace chemicals released as interior components finish curing and stabilize post-assembly. Heat, sunlight, and closed windows amplify concentrations, which is why a brand-new car parked in the sun smells strongest.

Below are the main sources inside a new vehicle that contribute to the aroma.

• Plastic trim and polymers: PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, polyurethane foams, and synthetic leathers (vinyl) emit residual solvents, monomers, and plasticizers as they finish curing.
• Adhesives and sealants: Solvent-based glues, epoxies, and urethanes used for dashboards, headliners, carpeting, and weather‑seals release VOCs as they dry and crosslink.
• Upholstery and carpets: Textiles, backings, and underlay foams can emit compounds from dyes, flame retardants, and anti-microbial or stain-resistant treatments.
• Paints and coatings: Interior paints, clearcoats, and anti-corrosion or sound-deadening coatings can off‑gas solvents and coalescing agents after assembly.
• Leather tanning and finishes: Genuine leather contributes tanning residues and finishing agents; synthetics contribute their own processing volatiles.
• Rubbers and elastomers: Seals, gaskets, and bushings may release small amounts of processing oils and antioxidants.
• HVAC components and filters: New evaporators, ducts, and cabin filters (especially with activated carbon or anti-odor treatments) can have a mild factory odor initially.

Taken together, these emissions create the recognizable “blend” most people associate with a brand-new vehicle, with intensity tapering as materials stabilize and the cabin is aired out.

The chemistry behind it

Most of the aroma comes from VOCs and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)—molecules that evaporate at room or slightly elevated temperatures. Cabin temperatures can exceed 60–70°C (140–158°F) in direct sun, which temporarily increases emission rates and perceived odor. As the car ages, emissions drop, aided by ventilation and normal use. Automakers test and manage these emissions using standards such as the ISO 12219 series for measuring VOCs in vehicle interiors and fogging tests like DIN 75201 or SAE J1756 to limit windshield film buildup.

Typical compounds detected in new interiors

While exact mixes vary by model and supplier, researchers and industry labs frequently detect the following compounds at trace levels in new vehicles.

• Aldehydes: Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde from resins, textiles, and coatings.
• Aromatics: Toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and trimethylbenzenes from solvents and polymers.
• Styrene: From styrenic plastics and foams.
• Alcohols and ketones: Isopropanol, ethanol, and cyclohexanone from adhesives and cleaners.
• Lactams and amides: Caprolactam from nylon components.
• Plasticizers: Phthalates (e.g., DINP) or alternatives like DINCH/DOTP used to soften plastics and synthetic leather.
• Siloxanes: Cyclic siloxanes from silicone-based lubricants and sealants.
• Terpenes: Limonene or similar compounds if detailing products were used before delivery.

Concentrations depend on material choices, interior surface area, temperature, assembly processes, and time since production, which is why two “identical” cars can smell slightly different.

Is it added on purpose?

Generally, no. Automakers aim for low, neutral odor profiles and increasingly specify “low-VOC” materials to meet internal targets and market regulations. Many brands run odor panels (“nose teams”) and bake/ventilate cars at the factory to reduce emissions before delivery. Some dealers may apply a generic “new car smell” spray during detailing, and a few luxury models offer optional fragrance systems—but those are separate scents, not the innate new-car aroma from materials themselves.

Safety, standards, and regulations

For most people, new-car odors are a comfort/convenience issue rather than a hazard, though elevated VOC levels in a sun-heated cabin can cause headaches or irritation in sensitive individuals. Industry and regulators monitor this area closely, and several frameworks shape how automakers manage in-cabin air.

• ISO 12219 series: International test methods for measuring VOC and SVOC emissions from automotive interiors and components.
• China GB/T 27630: National guideline specifying recommended limits for key interior VOCs such as formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and styrene, widely followed by manufacturers selling in China.
• South Korea MOE rules: In-vehicle air quality regulations limiting specific VOCs and formaldehyde in new cars.
• Japan JAMA voluntary targets: Industry limits on a set of interior VOCs (including formaldehyde) with cabin sampling protocols.
• EU REACH: Restricts or authorizes certain chemicals used in interiors; OEMs substitute lower-emission materials and plasticizers to comply.
• Fogging standards: DIN 75201 and SAE J1756 limit condensable volatiles that can film on glass, indirectly reducing some odor contributors.
• Consumer programs and OEM specs: Some rating initiatives and many carmakers maintain internal “low-odor/low-VOC” specifications that exceed legal minimums.

As material chemistries evolve and low-VOC formulations improve, the intensity and composition of “new car smell” have generally declined, particularly in markets with stringent guidelines.

How long it lasts—and how to manage it

The scent is strongest in the first days to weeks and typically fades substantially within one to three months, depending on climate, materials, and how often the car is aired out. Heat speeds both emission and dissipation: short-term concentrations are higher on hot days, but the overall fade-out occurs faster with use and ventilation.

If you want to reduce the smell sooner—or simply keep cabin air clearer—these practical steps help.

• Ventilate early and often: Drive the first few trips with windows cracked; use outside-air mode before switching to recirculation.
• Control heat buildup: Park in shade, use a windshield shade, and crack windows where safe; lower cabin temperatures reduce VOC spikes.
• Run the HVAC: Fresh-air mode and then A/C help purge the cabin; activated-carbon cabin filters can adsorb some odors.
• “Bake-out” carefully: On a warm day, ventilate the car after it sits in the sun to accelerate off‑gassing—then fully air it out before driving.
• Avoid adding scents: Fragrances and strong cleaners add their own VOCs; use low-odor products if detailing.
• Keep surfaces clean: Wipe new surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to remove residues; avoid harsh solvents.
• Investigate unusual odors: Persistent sharp or chemical smells beyond the first months could indicate a specific component issue or, separately, HVAC mold—dealers can diagnose.

These measures won’t erase the scent instantly, but they will meaningfully reduce both its intensity and duration while improving overall cabin comfort.

Summary

The “new car smell” isn’t a bottled perfume—it’s the temporary result of VOCs and related compounds off‑gassing from fresh plastics, foams, adhesives, leathers, and coatings inside a newly built vehicle. Automakers increasingly select low‑emission materials and pre‑ventilate cars to meet odor and air‑quality targets, and the scent naturally fades with time, heat cycles, and airflow. If you find it strong, simple steps—ventilation, temperature control, and activated‑carbon filtration—can speed the process and keep your cabin air more comfortable.

How long will my car keep its new car smell?

Typically, a new car smell will disappear within a few months, depending on how far and often you drive.

How can I make my car smell like a new car?

Clean your car, swapout the cabin filter, and with the car running and AC cranked, leave it in there to do its thing (5 mins or so). Once it’s done, I’ll put the windows down and let the car get a bit of fresh air and then an air scent freshener of your choice can just hang from your mirror or whatever.

What is the new car scent made of?

The new car smell is a combination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas from the materials used in a car’s interior, such as plastics, adhesives, fabrics, and foams. These chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, are released into the air as the vehicle’s interior materials break down over time. While some may find the scent appealing, these VOCs can cause health issues like headaches and allergies, and prolonged exposure to their concentration in a new car’s air has been linked to more severe health impacts.
 
Key components of the new car smell:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are the primary chemical compounds responsible for the distinct aroma. 
• Sources of VOCs:
  • Plastics and Vinyl: Petroleum-based solvents and other chemicals in plastic and vinyl parts are a major source. 
  • Adhesives and Glues: These bonding agents contain chemicals that release into the air. 
  • Fabrics and Carpets: Materials in the seats and flooring also contribute to the smell. 
  • Other Synthetic Materials: Paints, coatings, and foams in the car’s interior are also involved. 
• Off-gassing: The process by which these trapped VOCs escape from the materials and enter the cabin air. 
• Examples of VOCs:
  • Ethyl Benzene 
  • Formaldehyde 
  • Toluene 
  • Benzene 
  • Styrene 

What do car dealers use to get the new car smell?

Dealerships use specialized car care products, such as air freshener pads, sprays, and gels with a “new car” scent, to mask odors and create an appealing aroma. These products contain fragrances designed to replicate the signature smell of a new vehicle, which is actually a complex mix of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released by new plastics, adhesives, and other materials in the car’s interior. While the true new car smell is from the car’s materials, dealerships use these commercial products to maintain a consistently fresh and inviting scent in their inventory.
 
How Dealerships Create a “New Car” Scent

• Air Fresheners: Opens in new tabDealerships use products with “new car” fragrance notes to add a pleasant scent to the vehicle’s interior. These are available as pads, sprays, or gels and are designed to eliminate odors and maintain a fresh smell. 
• Professional Detailing: Opens in new tabBefore a car is put on the lot, professional detailing is performed to ensure the interior is clean and dry. This removes any existing odors and creates a blank canvas for the new scent to be applied. 
• Odor Eliminators: Opens in new tabSome products are also formulated to neutralize and eliminate existing bad odors at their source. This helps to remove stale or musty smells, ensuring the new car scent can take center stage. 
• Scent Marketing: Opens in new tabThe use of these specific scents is part of an intentional strategy known as scent marketing, which aims to influence a customer’s emotional response and create a more positive sensory experience when they enter the vehicle. 

What Is the Real “New Car Smell?”
The distinctive “new car smell” is not a single product but a natural phenomenon known as off-gassing. It is a combination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are released by the many plastics, adhesives, and rubber components in a new car’s interior. These chemicals, such as toluene, benzene, and others, create a distinct odor that dissipates over time. Dealerships replicate this with fragrances that mimic these chemical compounds to give the perception of a brand-new car.