To most people, the smell of a new car is strangely enticing. Though it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes the aroma so distinct, plenty of air fresheners and sprays have tried to replicate it. But what exactly is that scent?

Despite its crispness, the smell of a brand-new car is far from natural. It's actually the result of the release or “outgassing” of numerous chemical compounds of plastics, paint, lubricants, sealants, plasticisers, and various other materials that are used to manufacture both an automobile’s interior and exterior.

Cars are made to last—enduring bumps and scratches while upholding a sleek appearance. To accomplish this, they're constructed with materials that provide minimal corrosion, which usually means a variety of high-performance vinyls and plastics. These materials are highly effective in preserving the interiors of a car: polyurethane, for example, is a tough flexible material that is resistant to temperature and abrasion from weather, radiation, and most solvents, while polyethylene terephthalate (more commonly known as polyester) is used for wiper arms, engine covers, and connector housings. These materials, as well as many others, all contribute to that new car smell.