A large part of the pollution inside a car comes from the extensive use of plastic products and adhesives in interior fittings. These materials produce harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde, while engines also generate substances like amines and nicotine that can harm passengers' health.
However, apart from these unchangeable sources of pollution, some behaviors of drivers and passengers themselves can also cause secondary pollution. Here are a few bad habits that contribute to pollution inside cars.
Bad Habit One: Over-decoration
Many car owners love to buy various decorative materials to decorate their new cars, such as adding woodgrain interiors. However, after changing the interior, some owners feel uncomfortable. In fact, if the material quality of added interior fittings or the adhesive used is substandard, it may cause allergic reactions or discomfort among passengers. Especially for floor mats, they not only block moisture due to lack of breathability, which can easily lead to bacterial growth, but the strong glue used when laying down the mat can also easily release benzene. Therefore, using floor mats is generally not recommended.
Additionally, car owners who like to place many plush toys, cushions, etc., in their cars should be cautious. If these decorations are made from inferior materials like black heart cotton, they can easily trigger allergies. Newly purchased seat covers and other textile products should preferably be washed with water before use.
Bad Habit Two: Constantly using air conditioning on recirculation mode
Many car owners habitually set the air conditioning on recirculation mode all the time. This way, during winter when windows aren't opened, pollutants emitted by the interior fittings and exhaled carbon dioxide remain trapped in the enclosed space without being dispersed. Therefore, when using the air conditioner, one should alternate between internal and external circulation modes to allow fresh air from outside to enter the car.
Bad Habit Three: Long-term retention of original packaging
When a new car is first bought, seats, steering wheels, and other places usually have a layer of plastic packaging. Many car owners leave this packaging on to continue protecting the vehicle's interior, retaining it for long periods. Actually, doing so instead prevents the dissipation of pollutants generated by the interior fittings, keeping them trapped inside the car just like the packaging.
Bad Habit Four: Always driving with closed windows
Even in winter, it's best to leave a small gap in the car window to maintain moderate air circulation and promptly expel polluted air from inside the car. For vehicles equipped with sunroofs, slightly opening the sunroof allows air circulation without letting wind into the car. It's recommended to frequently open the windows for the first six months of a new car.
Bad Habit Five: Long-term placement of smelly items
Many car owners leave worn sneakers, sweat-soaked sportswear, dirty rags, and food packaging, fruit peels, and shells in the car for extended periods. During winter, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can easily create dampness inside the car, causing these items to develop mold. Therefore, remember to take these items out of the car each time you exit. When washing the car, you can also wipe the inside with a wet cloth or vacuum clean it.
Bad Habit Six: Smoking inside the car
The limited space inside a car makes smoking cause the air to become murky. Long-term smoking can also result in a hard-to-remove layer of smoke stains on the car's ceiling. Especially when the air conditioner is on, the amine and nicotine in cigarette dust can adhere to the evaporator surface. During rainy weather or when the air conditioner is unused for long periods, mold can grow on the evaporator surface, polluting the air inside the car. Therefore, try to avoid smoking inside the car. If you must smoke inside the car, it's best to open the windows; having a sunroof would be even better.
Bad Habit Seven: Frequently using air fresheners
Air fresheners can temporarily refresh the air inside the car, but they don't address the root cause. Moreover, air fresheners often consist of components like ether and fragrance, and many perfumes are chemically synthesized. The gases produced after decomposition of these substances contain certain components that are themselves air pollutants, thereby worsening the pollution. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using air fresheners and perfumes.
If your car develops an unpleasant smell, you can consult professional interior cleaning shops that use methods like photocatalysis for cleaning and sterilization.
For more car maintenance knowledge, visit China Auto Beauty Recruitment Network at www.qcmrrc.com.