As the summer season peaks in the Emirates, driving a parked car without preconditioning is a hassle. Beyond discomfort caused due to excessive heat, the toxicity of the car interior is also a rising concern. Processes like off-gassing which occurs when a car interior is exposed to excessive heat can release toxic gases. That said, the fumes from car interiors during summer can be hazardous for the occupants.
Let’s dive a little deeper and elaborate on car interior toxicity during summer.
Reasons for Car Interior Toxicity
Cars are covered in different types of compounds after leaving the manufacturing plant. These compounds are also responsible for generating new car smells. When these compounds are exposed to heat, they start releasing fumes that might be toxic.
The following are the different reasons that can make car interiors harmful during the summer.
Off-gassing of Materials
Off-gassing or outgassing is a process in which compounds trapped inside a material are released when exposed to heat. Synthetic materials used in interiors like car steering and dashboard undergo off-gassing releasing different chemicals that can be toxic.
Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Materials used in car interiors like plastic, adhesives and leather contain VOCs. These VOCs are released when the temperature inside the cabin increases. Inhaling the VOC fumes can be harmful leading to multiple health issues.
Mould Growth
Excessive heat and humidity inside the car cabin facilitate bacteria and mould growth. Breathing in mould spores and bacteria can cause allergies, respiratory disorders and other issues. In case, mould growth is consistent in your car, here is a step by step guide to remove mould from car interior.
How to Deal With Toxic Fumes from Car Interior
Now that you know if your car interior is toxic during summer or not, let’s move towards preventive measures.
Following are some ways to deal with car interior toxicity during summer.
Avoid Parking in Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is one of the major reasons for car toxicity in summer. It is ideal to park a vehicle under a shade when possible. If not a shaded place, you can opt for multi-storey car parking in Dubai and other Emirates offering shaded parking spaces.
Besides, here are some other tips to protect car interior during the summer season.
Maintain Ventilation
To maintain ventilation even in the parked vehicle, leave windows open. Roll down windows a maximum of 1 inch to facilitate airflow inside the car.
Avail Air Purifiers
Different types of car air fresheners and purifiers are available in the market that can be used to deal with harmful car interiors. Aside from the purifier, keeping activated charcoal inside the cabin also aids in the process.
Opt for Preconditioning
Parked vehicles are at a higher risk of releasing toxic fumes due to heat. You can install the car preconditioning system which allows you to maintain cabin temperature prior to using it.
Buy Non-toxic Materials
When replacing the car interior, opt for parts that are labelled as non-toxic or contain fewer VOCs. You can browse through these used car accessories for sale in the UAE and choose from an array of non-toxic car parts. To improve overall cabin feel and reduce the effects of heat and fumes, many drivers also explore small upgrades that can make used car more comfortable without spending much.
Clean Regularly
Regularly clean the car interior to avoid bacteria and mould growth inside the cabin. Alongside cleaning, here are some ways to reduce moisture levels inside the car that can help you in the process.
FAQs
Are car interiors toxic?
Yes, car interiors release certain chemicals that can be toxic, creating multiple health issues.
Can heat damage the interior of a car?
Yes, excessive heat and direct sunlight can damage the car’s interior.
How hot is it inside a car in summer in the UAE?
During the extreme summer season when the temperature reaches 50℃, the temperature inside the cabin can be up to 70℃ to 80℃.
What chemicals are released from car interiors in hot weather?
Different types of chemicals are released when the car interior is heated including VOCs, flame retardants and plasticisers.
This was all about car interior toxicity during summers and tips to overcome it. Car interiors often contain materials that can turn toxic upon heating. However, automobile brands have taken multiple initiatives to reduce the toxicity levels of cars. Therefore, the issue of car toxicity is less when you buy a new car for sale in the UAE.
Besides, here are some tips to keep car cabin air fresh and pleasant that you can avail of.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on car cabin air.
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