Seven bad habits to watch out for when it comes to in-car pollution!
A significant portion of in-car pollution originates from the large amount of plastic products and adhesives used in interior components, which produce harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde. Additionally, engines can also generate substances like amines and nicotine that may 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 in-car pollution:
Bad Habit 1: Over-decorating
Many car owners love to buy various decorative materials to decorate their new cars, such as adding wood veneer interiors. However, after changing the interior, some owners may feel uncomfortable. In fact, if the added interior material or adhesive is of poor quality, it could cause allergic reactions among passengers. Especially with floor mats, not only do they trap moisture on the floor due to lack of ventilation, promoting bacterial growth, but the strong glue used during installation can easily release benzene. Therefore, using floor mats is generally not recommended.
Additionally, car owners who like to place many plush toys, cushions, etc., inside their cars should be cautious. If these decorations are made from inferior materials such as black heart cotton, they can easily trigger allergies. Newly purchased seat covers and other textiles should ideally be washed before use.
Bad Habit 2: Constantly using air conditioning internal circulation
Many car owners habitually set the air conditioning to internal circulation all the time. As a result, in winter when windows aren't opened, pollutants emitted by the interior and carbon dioxide exhaled by people remain trapped in the enclosed space without being dispersed. Therefore, when using the air conditioner, one should alternate between internal and external circulation to allow fresh outside air into the car.
Bad Habit 3: Keeping original packaging for a long time
When a new car is bought, places like seats and steering wheels often come with plastic packaging. Many car owners keep this packaging to continue protecting the vehicle's interior. However, doing so actually prevents the dissipation of harmful gases produced by the interior, keeping them trapped within the car just like the packaging itself.
Bad Habit 4: Always driving with closed windows
Even in winter, it's best to leave a 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 can facilitate air circulation without letting wind into the cabin. During the first six months of owning a new car, it’s advisable to frequently open the windows.
Bad Habit 5: Long-term placement of items with unpleasant odors
Many car owners tend to leave items like worn sneakers, sweaty sportswear, and dirty rags in the car for extended periods, or place food wrappers, fruit peels, and shells in the car's trash bin. In winter, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can easily create dampness inside the car, causing mold growth on these items. Thus, remember to take these items out of the car each time you leave. When washing your car, you can also wipe the interior with a damp cloth or vacuum clean it.
Bad Habit 6: Smoking inside the car
The confined space of a car means smoking can quickly make the air inside murky. Long-term smoking can also form a layer of hard-to-remove nicotine stains on the roof lining. Moreover, when smoking with the air conditioning on, the amine and nicotine in cigarette dust can adhere to the evaporator surface. During rainy weather or when the air conditioner isn't used for a long time, mold can grow on the evaporator surface, polluting the car's air. Therefore, try to avoid smoking inside the car. If you must smoke, it’s better to open the windows; having a sunroof makes this even easier.
Bad Habit 7: Frequently using air fresheners
Air fresheners can temporarily refresh the car's air, but they don’t address the root cause. Most air fresheners consist of components like ether and fragrance, and many perfumes are chemically synthesized. These substances, when decomposed, release gases that include air pollutants themselves, thereby worsening the pollution. Therefore, it’s best not to use air fresheners or perfumes.
If your car develops an odor, you can consult professional interior cleaning services that use methods like photocatalysis for cleaning and sterilization.
For more car maintenance knowledge, visit China Auto Beauty Recruitment Network at www.qcmrrc.com.