Lions81

We just picked up a new RX a few days back and I love the new car smell, I loved it with our 13 GS and with our 12 G37 - but that smell only lasts a few weeks. The tree air freshener "new car smell" smells nothing like a new car, I read somewhere that Adams leather cleaner leaves a good smell but that's only for a few days. Please share any thoughts, ideas.
I know the new car smell is from the leather / plastic / chemicals settling, but I still love it, makes the car feel newer longer.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

The only option is not to drive it

But in all seriousness, there is nothing you can do to bring that scent back.

I personally never use any car airfreshners, they make the car smell like a laundromat.

Just condition your leather regularly, and keep her clean.

bagwell

how to keep the new car smell longer?

-keep windows up and doors closed as much as possible
-don't drive with windows down.
-use recirculated air instead of fresh.
-no smoking in car
-zero food in car

mmarshall

Is this the one you are refering to?

bagwell

Lions81

Yes, exactly that - it has a lemony scent to it, it's not bad - but far from a new car smell.

Lions81

Will try this, thank you.

Sulu

Why would you want to keep that new car smell? Much of the volatile organic compounds that cause that scent are health hazards.

dseag2

Exactly. From Wikipedia:

Both the scent and what produces it varies 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 offgassing. These fumes are generally attributed mixtures of many different chemicals offgassing and to plasticizers, although their vapor pressures are very low and they are not considered volatile.[1]

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.[2]

Some recommend keeping new cars well ventilated while driving, especially during the summer. A 1995 analysis[3] 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.

The total volatile organic compound levels can reach 7,500 micrograms per cubic meter.[4] Concentrations decayed 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 1999–2002was traced to a rust inhibitor.[5]

Fizzboy7

I've been consistently able to keep my new car smell for two years after new. I have no idea what has caused this, but it's confirmed ever time someone gets in my car within those two years. All I can report is I never wash the car at a facility nor use a hose. I only wipe it down with a damp rag. The interior I wipe down with a clean, damp rag once a week. I never add any chemicals or liquids to the dash or plastics. And I treat the leather three times per year with Lexol or Lexus's own leather treatment wipes. Beyond that, I drive with the windows down during warm temps and never use the A/C. Somehow, it all works.

Aron9000

I've found this product to be awesome for your leather seats. Brings back that rich new car leather smell as well. Also works wonders if your seats are getting dried out/rock hard.

http://www.leatherique.com/

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

my car is over a year old and still has the new car smell. love it.

BrownPride

New car smells usually last for at least a couple years in my experience. I would recommend not eating anything in the car, not spilling any drinks, and regularly wiping down the dash/doors/seats once a month. Apply leather cleaner/conditioner (either Lexus brand or Lexol) 2-3 times per year. Wear clean clothes, have good hygiene, and clean your rubber floor mats regularly (yes rubber mats are a must)

chikoo

Humans love breathing in hazards.

Cigars/Cigarette
Marijuana
Petrol/Gas
Charcoal BBQ
.
.
.

doge

The second one is hardly a hazard. To quote Bill Murray, the most dangerous thing about marijuana is getting caught with it :-)