Dangerous Air Quality
An interesting fact regarding the air quality within cars is the famous 'new car smell' and the reality of what causes this odor. This particular smell is actually caused by a combination of harmful chemicals, known as 'VOCs' (Volatile Organic Chemicals). Therefore, while people are happily huffing this smell, feeling fresh and new, they're actually breathing in an unhealthy combination of styrene, xylene and diazinon. Next time you have a friend bragging about their new car smell, fill them in on this interesting fact. Supposedly, it is advised that windows of new cars be left down, in order to air-out these chemicals. Also, these chemicals are released at a quicker rate when exposed to heat, meaning it is advised that new cars be exposed to minimal sunshine early in their life.
Car dust - "loaded with contaminants".
Apparently, car dust is not like regular dust. It's actually potentially full of contaminants, such as flame retardants which can be present in the seat cushions. This is especially the case with older cars with degraded interiors. Pesticides and gasoline can also be present in the carpet of your car, based on the fact that it's relatively common for these to be transferred by your shoes. Although this sounds a little far fetched, I guess there's been plenty of times when I've splashed fuel, stepped in it, and then driven away with gas stench throughout my car.
Cleaners filled with chemicals
Apparently, this is also an issue which degrades air quality. Forget about all the chemical filled cleaners on the market. Where possible, stick with water and save a few dollars.
With the amount of time that some people are now spending in their vehicles, being aware of these factors may be beneficial.
Monday 18 August 2014
Sunday 3 August 2014
Front Seat Ponchos
This poncho style seat protector has received mixed reviews on Amazon.
The Good:
This product is easy to put in position, with a support strap which holds it up. It's machine washable and made of durable waterproof materials. It is also compatible with side airbags (who would've thought a poncho could be incompatible with a side airbag?)
The top layer is 'super absorbent' and soft, whilst a waterproof backing blocks out moisture and grime from seeping through into your seats.
The Bad:
Some reviewers complain about a petroleum odor, which they feel is too strong. However, these reviews appear to date back a few years, with more recent comments claiming that there is no odor, which suggests the company took note and changed the way in which this protector is manufactured.
With the odor issue appearing to be resolved, this would appear perfect for anyone driving home from the beach, the gym or any dirty day out. Waterproof materials make this great for smelly soggy dogs and minimizing dog hair. Obviously, there's variations of these made to fit the entire length of your back seat. I purchased a full length cover after my dog drank too much salt water at the beach and had diarrhea all over the back of my car. He was literally spinning in a circle, spraying it all through the car. Moral of the story - don't let your dog drink sea water.
View on Amazon
The Good:
This product is easy to put in position, with a support strap which holds it up. It's machine washable and made of durable waterproof materials. It is also compatible with side airbags (who would've thought a poncho could be incompatible with a side airbag?)
The top layer is 'super absorbent' and soft, whilst a waterproof backing blocks out moisture and grime from seeping through into your seats.
The Bad:
Some reviewers complain about a petroleum odor, which they feel is too strong. However, these reviews appear to date back a few years, with more recent comments claiming that there is no odor, which suggests the company took note and changed the way in which this protector is manufactured.
With the odor issue appearing to be resolved, this would appear perfect for anyone driving home from the beach, the gym or any dirty day out. Waterproof materials make this great for smelly soggy dogs and minimizing dog hair. Obviously, there's variations of these made to fit the entire length of your back seat. I purchased a full length cover after my dog drank too much salt water at the beach and had diarrhea all over the back of my car. He was literally spinning in a circle, spraying it all through the car. Moral of the story - don't let your dog drink sea water.
View on Amazon
Tuesday 11 February 2014
How To Fill The Gap Between Your Car Seat and Console
There are now fillers you can buy which cover the gap between your seat and center console. They're incredibly simple and effective, yet have only been available in recent years.
Not a joke/novelty
Firstly, this is not a joke or a novelty item. It may seem a little excessive but you can bet that people crash and possibly even die every year as a result of reaching dwon and getting distracted by searching underneath or between their car seats. Obviously most people will purchase this to save hassles, not to save lives. However, the fact remains that the gap is hazardous.
The problem of coins, phones and other random items slipping down into that annoying, and sometimes dangerous gap is something that we all experience. It's actually quite dangerous, as it is often difficult to resist the urge to reach down and try to search for the item that's fallen while you're driving. No doubt, many accidents have occurred due to drivers fumbling around in this way. I personally avoid buying pants with shallow pockets simply due to the reason that stuff will fall down into the gap.
The filler pictured above is designed to slip over the seat belt, in order to give a snug fit and proper gap coverage.
Click here to view on Amazon
Not a joke/novelty
Firstly, this is not a joke or a novelty item. It may seem a little excessive but you can bet that people crash and possibly even die every year as a result of reaching dwon and getting distracted by searching underneath or between their car seats. Obviously most people will purchase this to save hassles, not to save lives. However, the fact remains that the gap is hazardous.
The problem of coins, phones and other random items slipping down into that annoying, and sometimes dangerous gap is something that we all experience. It's actually quite dangerous, as it is often difficult to resist the urge to reach down and try to search for the item that's fallen while you're driving. No doubt, many accidents have occurred due to drivers fumbling around in this way. I personally avoid buying pants with shallow pockets simply due to the reason that stuff will fall down into the gap.
The filler pictured above is designed to slip over the seat belt, in order to give a snug fit and proper gap coverage.
Click here to view on Amazon
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