Toyota Smell

Random post but it just came rushing back to me when I got in the 4R. Under 1000 miles a month old and it still smells like a new car.

I had a 2003 Scion xA when I was in Highschool, actually the 1st one that local dealer ever sold. Well I’m happy to report the 2024 4Runner must use the same based plastics and adhesives because they smell the same.

I used to be in the VW tuning scene and it was the same thing between GTI generations, they all smelled like crayons lol

 

That new car that a lot of people love, is actually bad for you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_car_smell

New car smell is the odor that comes from the combination of materials found in new automobiles, as well as other vehicles like buses, trucks, and aircraft. It comprises various elements such as new leather, plastics and textile interiors. Due to its liking, many automobile manufacturers have also started mimicking desired scents and utilising them to attract customers in show rooms. Although the scent is described as pleasant by some, there is some question about the possibility that these chemicals pose a health risk. A study in 2023 found that formaldehyde and acetaldehyde gases exceeded Chinese government safety standards, and researchers recommended that new car buyers drive with windows open.[1]

Chemical composition
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Both the scent and what produces it vary somewhat in different kinds of cars. Most of the interior of an automobile consists of plastic held together with a number of adhesives and sealers. Such materials release volatile organic compounds, via outgassing or off-gassing. These fumes are generally attributed to mixtures of many different chemicals off-gassing and to plasticizers, although DEHP, widely used in PVC, isn't very volatile.[2]

Researchers tested more than 200 U.S. vehicles of model years 2011–2012 for chemicals such as organobromine compounds (associated with brominated flame retardants, or BFRs), organochlorine compounds (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), and heavy metals that off-gas from various parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests, and seats.[3]

It is recommended to keep new cars well-ventilated while driving, especially during the summer. A 1995 analysis of the air from a new Lincoln Continental found over 50 volatile organic compounds, which were identified as coming from sources such as cleaning and lubricating compounds, paint, carpeting, leather and vinyl treatments, latex glue, and gasoline and exhaust fumes. An analysis two months after the initial one found a significant reduction in the chemicals. The researchers observed that the potential toxicity of many of these compounds could pose a danger to human health.[4]

The total volatile organic compound levels can reach 7,500 micrograms per cubic meter.[5] Concentrations decayed by approximately 90% over a three-week period. Over sixty chemical compounds were identified inside the interiors of the four vehicles in this study.

In some instances, the odor results from a manufacturing defect. According to official documents of Bentley Motors (BT26), an "obnoxious odor" in Bentley cars for model years 1999–2002 was traced to a rust inhibitor.[6] In some cultures, e.g. the Chinese culture, the new car smell is not considered desirable and manufacturers work to eliminate it.[7]

Health hazards
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A two-year study[8] released in 2001 by the CSIRO in Australia found several health problems associated with these chemicals. CSIRO research scientist, Dr. Stephen Brown, reported anecdotal accounts of disorientation, headache, and irritation in some drivers of new cars. He measured pollutant levels in new cars that were sufficient to cause similar effects within minutes in controlled experiments by other researchers. Chemicals found in the cars included the carcinogen benzene, two other possible carcinogens cyclohexanone and styrene, and several other toxic chemicals.

A more recent study in Japan found that the volatile organic chemicals in a new minivan were over 35 times the health limit the day after its delivery. In four months levels had fallen under the limit but increased again in the hot summer months, taking three years to permanently remain below the limit. The limits were set by the Japanese health ministry in response to more car owners suffering from sick building syndrome.[9] A Daily Telegraph article on the study described the enjoyment of new car smell as "akin to glue-sniffing".[10]

However, another study showed no toxicity from new car odors in lab grown cells. The odors did trigger an immune system reaction.[11]

The most common side effects of the new car smell are headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness.

 

Yeah… my mom won’t spend an hour on instagram without sharing a dozen ways I’m giving myself cancer.

This was more of a statement that smell is a powerful emotion that can bring back 21 year old memories.

 

Good ole VOCs. Why modern day paint sucks, had all the good stuff regulated out. Someone told me mine still smelled new around 30k miles, which I found hard to believe

 

Haha I actually believe it, my buddy’s Acura very much smells like what you think it should smell. He bought it used with a ton of miles on it too.

 

Ignore that other dude, always has to be one. It last pretty long and if it was that dangerous they would do something. I bet he was a ball at parties

 

I like the new car smell, my son says he does not like it and makes him feel nauseous. I tried everything to get rid of the smell (car scent, cleaned the interior, professional cleaning, changed the interior/engine filters and drive with the windows down), the smell is still there 4 years later. He is now older and accepts the smell and cracks the window when he is in the 4runner (which is not to often).

 

Here is SPY PHOTO of them installing smell in your vehicle at factory....

 

Technically, just walking out of your house exposes you to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, so clearly there’s plenty of other items to worry about besides how your car smells…like maybe using your turn signal once in a while. Coincidentally, some of the posts in here can cause headaches, nausea, and frequently make me drowsy.

Best advice is to just enjoy the new car smell, but be sure to apply SPF 50 when you’re at the beach.

 

Lol

 

Wow, guess you folks didn’t like the info. I agree there is danger or cancer causing stuff everywhere, but wouldn’t you want to reduce risk when possible?

 

I reduce the risk of cancer by not being able to afford new. Most of what corporate America calls food now days is worse for you than a new car smell. Unless it spun a bearing, that really stinks.

 

That’s true but also can appreciate wanting to minimize exposure to harmful stuff

 

So now we know, in spite of all the members telling us that spending $5k - $6k more for a new 4Runner over a pre-owned is so much wiser, you're much better health wise to go for that aired out used 4Runner if you're shopping. Wonder why there's no California health warning label on new vehicles? It's on every other product on the market...