Ah, the "new car smell" - an oddly satisfying scent that’s become part of the showroom experience.
For many, it signals the start of a new motoring chapter. But behind that plasticky, leather-adjacent aroma lies a more complex cocktail than you might expect - and not all of it’s good for you.
So, is that iconic scent toxic? Short answer: potentially. Here’s what you should actually know about the new car smell before driving off into the sunset with your fresh set of wheels.
Not a magic scent
The signature new car scent comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the interior materials of your vehicle. Think adhesives, sealants, plastics, foam and synthetic fabrics - basically everything from the dashboard to the floor mats.
These materials undergo a process called "off-gassing" as they release chemical vapours, particularly in the first few months of a car’s life.
Common VOCs found in new cars include formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and styrene - many of which are regulated in industrial settings due to known health effects.
These compounds evaporate more rapidly when exposed to heat, so if you’ve ever hopped into a new car on a hot day and felt dizzy or unwell, that’s not just the sun playing tricks.
Health concerns: from mild to worth watching
While a whiff here and there likely won’t cause long-term damage, some people do report acute symptoms from VOC exposure - things like headaches, nausea, eye irritation or a general feeling of being unwell. This can be especially problematic for children, the elderly, or anyone with asthma or chemical sensitivities.
More concerning is the potential long-term impact of chronic exposure to certain VOCs. Studies overseas have raised eyebrows over elevated levels of known carcinogens in tightly sealed cabins, especially after prolonged sun exposure.
While most modern cars do comply with international safety standards, those standards don’t always fully address cumulative or combined VOC effects - nor are they consistently enforced across markets.
Put simply: while your car isn’t a gas chamber, it’s also not an aromatherapy spa.
What you can do to clear the air
If you’re planning to buy a new car (or already have) there are a few easy ways to reduce VOC exposure and get that cabin air fresher, faster.
Ventilation is king: For the first few months, keep windows cracked when parked, and drive with ventilation on fresh-air mode rather than recirculate.
Let it breathe: When possible, air out the car in a shaded, open area - especially on warm days when off-gassing spikes.
Sunshades help: Reducing cabin heat slows VOC evaporation. Use reflective sunshades when parked to avoid baking the dashboard.
Skip unnecessary fragrances: That pine-scented tree might mask the smell, but it also adds its own chemical load. Better to let the materials off-gas naturally.
There’s no way to eliminate VOCs altogether as they’re part of the modern manufacturing process, but you can manage your exposure. And unlike other emissions, these ones don’t require a mechanic to fix.
Should the new car smell be a dealbreaker?
Probably not. But it’s worth factoring into your buying decision, especially if you or your passengers are sensitive to chemicals or prone to motion sickness. If it’s a major concern, you might consider buying an ex-demo or near-new car that’s had time to air out.
Better still, take your time when inspecting a new vehicle. Sit in the cabin with the doors closed and engine off. If your eyes water or you feel a headache coming on, it’s a sign the VOC load is still high.
In the end, the new car smell might smell like victory - but a bit of caution goes a long way. Let it fade naturally, and you’ll enjoy your new car in comfort and good health.