®The car cabin is an enclosed space where people spend a surprising amount of time, yet it is often overlooked. Interior emissions accelerate noticeably, especially after the car has baked in the sun.
Where cabin pollutants come from
Seats, headliners and floor mats use large amounts of adhesives and leather or plastic treatment agents, the main source of that "new car smell" and of volatile organic compounds; air conditioning ducts also collect dust and grow musty when damp.
Why it deserves attention
- Summer ground heat pushes cabin temperatures up fast, and emissions rise with them;
- Windows stay closed and ventilation is limited, so pollutants accumulate;
- People spend real time in the car commuting or driving children around.
What to do
- Ventilate a new car often; leave a window gap when parked and air it out regularly;
- Avoid shutting the windows and switching to recirculation right after sun exposure — open up for a while first;
- Replace the cabin filter on schedule, and have the interior cleaned or treated when needed;
- Do not leave clutter or damp items in the car for long.
Opening the windows for a few dozen seconds before setting off clears accumulated odours and pollutants better than switching straight to air conditioning on recirculation.