New car making me sick. Any suggestions? - Allergies Message Board

patched · 05-22-2008, 05:32 PM

Hi,

We have a Toyota Rav4 that we purchased 1 year ago. I can not be in the car without a mask. We have opened all the doors everday for a year and still the smell of outgassing is there. I've tried several products that claim to eliminate most odors but outgassing is not one of them. I've tried using coffee in pantyhose and leaving it in several places in the car but the smell still persists.
I am really upset that I can't enjoy the car without using a mask. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Pat

TEdds83 · 05-22-2008, 07:16 PM

Sounds like you have a chemical or environmental allergy. It is very possible. You don't want to get sick by inhaling anything inside the car. If it has been a year I hate to say it but I would probably get rid of the car. It's not worth the risk it would put on your health. Sorry, I don't have any suggestions. Maybe someone else will know.

bleigh · 05-22-2008, 07:31 PM

Well, if you're like most people you can't just get rid of the car now as you may owe too much money on it. Time will reduce the new car smell. I looked up how to remove new car smell and found some great tips.
1. Bake the smell out. You leave the car in the sun and crack the window and inch or so and let it sit. Then after a few hours completely air the car out. Follow this with a cleaning by using microfiber cloths.
2. You can use a safe cleaning solution to help remove some the oil that is causing the odor.
3. Use odor absorbing products like baking soda. Change frequently.
4. Use air filters.

If you decide you just can't live with the car any longer then you'll probably need to buy a car that is at least a couple years old. Hopefully, this summer will be warm enough where you live to help bake out the smell quickly and you can enjoy the car.