What makes a new car smell like a new car

The distinctive “new car smell” comes primarily from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off‑gassing from fresh plastics, foams, adhesives, sealants, fabrics, and leather treatments; warmth and sunlight accelerate the release, and the scent usually fades over weeks to a few months. In more detail, that aroma is a complex blend of dozens to hundreds of trace chemicals emitted as cabin materials cure and stabilize after manufacturing and assembly.

What the “new car smell” actually is

“New car smell” isn’t a single substance. It’s a mixture of low‑level VOCs that evaporate from interior components as they age and settle. These compounds are present in tiny amounts, but together they create a recognizable aroma profile that many people associate with a factory‑fresh vehicle.

Common chemical families and examples found in new car interiors

Below are the main types of chemicals typically detected—often at trace levels—in cabin air of new vehicles, along with where they come from and what notes they add to the overall scent.

• Aromatics (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene): residual solvents from paints, adhesives, and coatings; add a sweet, solvent‑like note.
• Ketones and esters (e.g., methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate): fast‑evaporating solvents from glues and finishes; give fruity or nail‑polish‑remover tones.
• Aldehydes (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal): emitted from resins, foams, and treated textiles; range from sharp/irritant to grassy/waxy scents.
• Alcohols and glycol ethers (e.g., isopropanol, 2‑butoxyethanol): cleaning and processing residues; mild solvent smell.
• Alkanes and cycloalkanes (light hydrocarbons): from adhesives and sealants; faint gasoline‑like background notes.
• Plasticizers (e.g., adipates and citrates; legacy phthalates less common under modern restrictions): used to soften PVC and other polymers; contribute to the “vinyl” aspect.
• Isocyanate‑derived polyurethane by‑products (from seat foam): trace amines and other curing by‑products that dissipate as foam fully cures.
• Siloxanes and low‑odor oligomers: from silicone components and mold release agents; typically neutral, but part of the overall profile.
• Leather and textile finishes (e.g., tanning/dye residues, low‑level aldehydes, waxes): add the “new leather” or fresh fabric scent when applicable.

No single compound defines the smell; rather, it’s the combined signature—and how it changes with temperature and time—that people recognize as “new.”

Where the smell comes from inside the car

The cabin contains many materials that off‑gas at different rates. Their emissions are most noticeable when the car is new and the cabin is tightly sealed.

• Dashboard and door panels: PVC, ABS, and polypropylene plastics with coatings and soft‑touch finishes.
• Seats and headliners: polyurethane foams, adhesives, fabric or leather treatments, and stitching glues.
• Carpets and sound insulation: backings, underlay foams, bituminous mats, and spray adhesives.
• Trim and seals: rubberized polymers, sealants, and anti‑squeak/anti‑rattle compounds.
• Glass and paint interfaces: primers and urethane bonding agents used for windshields and trim.
• Electronics and wiring: flame‑retarded plastics and conformal coatings (now typically lower‑emission formulations).

Together, these sources create a layered scent profile that is strongest immediately after production and after the vehicle has been closed up in warm conditions.

Is it safe to breathe?

For most people, typical levels in new cars are more of an annoyance than a hazard, though some may experience headaches, throat or eye irritation, or nausea, especially in heat. Automakers have reduced interior emissions with low‑VOC materials and tighter supplier controls. Interior air quality is now addressed by industry and regulatory frameworks, including ISO 12219 (vehicle interior air measurement), SAE J2970 (screening guidance), and national limits in markets such as China and South Korea that cap specific VOCs in cabin air. The European Union and United States rely on material restrictions (e.g., REACH) and manufacturer guidelines rather than car‑specific legal limits. Overall, levels decline significantly as the car ages, and ventilation further reduces exposure.

How long the smell lasts—and what affects it

The intensity typically drops markedly over the first few weeks and continues to fade over several months. The timeline depends on use, climate, and materials.

• Temperature and sunlight: heat and UV accelerate off‑gassing, making the smell stronger short‑term but speeding its disappearance long‑term.
• Ventilation habits: frequent airing out reduces indoor concentrations and shortens how long the aroma lingers.
• Material mix: leather, foams, and vinyl all have distinct emission profiles; low‑VOC interiors fade faster.
• Vehicle storage: sealed cars parked in the sun build up VOCs; garages and cracked windows mitigate buildup.
• Humidity: can influence emission rates and the perception of odors.

As the cabin’s materials complete curing and residual solvents dissipate, the signature “new” scent gives way to a neutral baseline—or to whatever fragrances or ambient odors the owner introduces.

How to reduce or manage the smell

If the aroma bothers you, simple steps can reduce interior VOC levels and make the cabin more comfortable sooner.

1. Air it out: during the first weeks, frequently open doors/windows; on hot days, ventilate before driving.
2. Use the HVAC effectively: run fresh‑air mode while driving; avoid extended recirculation early on.
3. Heat‑purge cycles: briefly warm the car in the sun, then fully ventilate to flush accumulated VOCs.
4. Activated‑carbon filtration: upgrade to a cabin filter with activated carbon to adsorb odors.
5. Sorbents inside: place activated charcoal or zeolite bags in the cabin; refresh or replace regularly.
6. Gentle interior cleaning: wipe surfaces with mild, manufacturer‑approved cleaners to remove residues.
7. Avoid heavy fragrances: cover‑up scents can mix unpleasantly; focus on removal, not masking.

These steps won’t eliminate emissions immediately, but they can meaningfully reduce perceived odor and exposure while the car completes its normal off‑gassing period.

What automakers do to control or design the scent

Manufacturers increasingly treat cabin odor as both a quality and safety issue, balancing low emissions with a pleasant neutral profile.

• Material selection: low‑VOC plastics, water‑based adhesives, and alternative plasticizers (e.g., adipates, citrates) instead of legacy high‑emission chemistries.
• Process controls: pre‑baking parts, longer cure times, and controlled storage to drive down residual solvents before assembly.
• Testing and targets: supplier specifications, “nose teams”/odor panels, and lab measurements per ISO 12219 and similar standards.
• Filtration and coatings: better cabin filters and UV‑stable coatings to limit odor formation over time.
• Optional fragrances: some brands offer selectable ambient scents, separate from the inherent “new car” aroma.

The trend—especially in markets with formal interior air limits—is toward interiors that smell neutral out of the factory, rather than strongly “new.”

Summary

The new car smell is a transient blend of VOCs off‑gassing from fresh plastics, foams, adhesives, fabrics, and leather treatments. Heat makes it stronger in the short term but helps it dissipate faster. While generally not harmful at typical levels, it can irritate sensitive occupants. Automakers now use low‑VOC materials and standardized testing to curb emissions, and owners can speed the fade with ventilation, heat‑purge cycles, and activated‑carbon filtration.

What is the scent of a brand new car?

Regardless of which side you stand with (loving or hating that new car smell), research shows that the new car smell stems from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Around 50 or 60 of them off-gas from various points throughout a new car’s interior, with the most common VOCs including: Ethylbenzene. Xylene.

What do car dealers use to make cars smell new?

Car dealers use two main methods to create a “new car smell”: they either allow the genuine, but potentially toxic, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to off-gas from the car’s interior materials, or they apply aftermarket products like specialized air fresheners, scented sprays, gels, and odor eliminators. These products are designed to clean, neutralize odors, and leave behind a strong, pleasant fragrance that mimics the scent of a brand-new vehicle.
 
Genuine New Car Smell (Off-Gassing) 

• How it works: The true “new car smell” comes from chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are released as the car’s various plastic, rubber, and carpet components naturally break down over time. This process is known as off-gassing.
• What it is: VOCs include substances like benzene, toluene, and other hydrocarbons from the adhesives, plastics, and other materials used in the car’s interior.

Dealership Methods to Recreate the Scent

• Detailing Products: Opens in new tabDealerships use specialized cleaning and detailing products that not only clean the car’s interior but also contain fragrances designed to leave a pleasant, fresh scent. 
• Scented Sprays and Gels: Opens in new tabThese products are applied to various surfaces, such as carpets and seats, to impart a long-lasting fragrance. 
• Air Fresheners: Opens in new tabThese come in various forms, including hanging cardboard scents, paper-based fresheners, or electronic devices that disperse fragrance. 
• Odor Eliminators: Opens in new tabBeyond just masking odors, these products are used to neutralize unpleasant smells from the interior, ensuring a truly fresh start. 
• Specialized Products: Opens in new tabProducts like Chemical Guys New Car Smell are specifically designed to mimic the new car scent, often with a plasticky, chemical aroma. 

Is there a new car scent that actually smells like a new car?

To get a new car smell, use a premium air freshener spray like Chemical Guys New Car Scent or 3D New Car Scent, which are designed to replicate that specific fragrance using a blend of natural or derived aromatic compounds from fresh carpets, plastics, and leather. For a long-lasting scent, apply the spray sparingly to surfaces such as floor mats or under the seats, and enhance the effect by turning on the air conditioning.
 
Why these products work: 

• Mimicry of compounds: Opens in new tabThe “new car smell” is a distinct combination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, plastics, and rubber. Air fresheners use a mix of oils to recreate these scent notes, often combining citrus, leather, and woody undertones.
• Active odor elimination: Opens in new tabMany new car scent products also contain enzymatic odor eliminators that destroy odor-causing molecules, rather than just masking them.

How to get the best results:

1. Clean the interior: Start with a clean car interior to avoid mixing your new scent with old smells. 
2. Apply sparingly: Use the spray sparingly, as it is often concentrated and potent. 
3. Target surfaces: Spray the product on microfiber cloths and wipe down interior surfaces, car mats (especially the rear passenger mats), and place a cloth under the seat to help diffuse the scent naturally. 
4. Use your AC: Turn on your air conditioning to enhance and distribute the fresh scent throughout the car. 

How do new cars get the new car smell?

New car smell comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the interior components of the car, such as plastics, fabrics, adhesives, and sealants. These chemicals are intentionally used during the manufacturing process and off-gas into the air, creating a complex, distinct aroma. While some VOCs are harmless, others can be potentially hazardous and may cause health issues like headaches, dizziness, and allergies, especially in poorly ventilated environments. 
What are VOCs?

• VOCs are chemicals with a high vapor pressure and low boiling point, meaning they easily evaporate into the air. 
• They are found in a wide range of products, including plastics, vinyl, and adhesives, all of which are used extensively in car interiors. 
• The combination of these various chemicals creates the unique scent known as the “new car smell”. 

Why does it fade?

• The smell eventually fades as the VOCs are released from the materials and dissipate into the air over time. 
• This process is accelerated by heat and sun exposure, which cause even more chemicals to off-gas. 
• The smell typically disappears after about six to eight months as the levels of VOCs drop. 

Potential Health Concerns

• Some VOCs, like benzene and ethylbenzene, found in new cars have been linked to health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and irritation. 
• Studies have shown that the chemical levels in a new car can be high enough to trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals. 
• Good ventilation is key to minimizing exposure. Rolling down windows, opening doors, and using a portable air purifier can help reduce VOCs in the vehicle’s interior.