You may know it: you get into a car and immediately there's an odor you'd rather not have smelled. Whether it's from years of smoking or a four-legged friend who was allowed in often, odor damage in a used electric car can be quite disturbing. Fortunately, there is often more possible than you think. In this blog, we at Eccasion explain exactly what odor damage is, where it comes from and - most importantly - what you can do about it.
What exactly is odor damage
Odor damage is simply put: a persistent odor in the car that won't go away with an air freshener or quick cleaning. It usually comes from two causes:
- Smoking in the car - Nicotine and tar soak into the upholstery, vents and headliner. As a result, the smell of smoke lingers for a long time.
- Pets - Dogs in particular create typical pet odors. You can often tell by dog hairs or scratches in the upholstery.
In the electric used cars we buy online, this is fortunately rare. If it does occur, it is usually visible or mentioned in the damage report.
How do we check for odor damage on auction cars?
At Eccasion, we always check our used electric cars carefully. Consider:
- Visual signs (dog hair, burn marks, nicotine deposits). If odor damage is suspected, we often don't take the car off the lot already.
- Information in the damage report. If it is found by the inspector, it is visible in the inspection report. If it is not mentioned, but we find it out anyway, we as the buyer are entitled to a damage claim from the seller.
If an odor does slip through, there are still solutions available.
The solution to odor damage: ozone treatment
One of the most effective ways to combat odor damage in a car is ozone treatment. This involves using a special device to diffuse ozone gas into the car. That gas breaks down the molecules responsible for the foul odors.
How does it work step by step?
- Thorough cleaning - First, the car is completely cleaned (upholstery, dashboard, floor mats).
- Change air filters - Old filters often still retain odor.
- Ozone treatment - The device does its job and makes the odors disappear.
The result: a fresh car, without smoke or pet odors.
Can you do this yourself?
Of course you can use your own cleaners and odors, but often the odors then disappear only temporarily or not at all. Of course, you can also buy your own ozone generator on Amazon and then get to work, just be sure to pay close attention to safety regulations.
Finally, don't forget to replace the interior air filters!
What if the odor damage still remains?
At Eccasion, we want you to drive your electric occasion with a good feeling. Is there unexpected odor damage that cannot be fixed? Then you always have the option to return the car to us. This way, you don't take any risks and you know for sure that you're not buying a pig in a poke (at most a dog in the back seat, but we don't take those either 😉 ).
What to consider with used electric cars
- Battery condition: at Eccasion, we provide an independent diagnosis on the battery condition before you purchase it.
- Charging behavior: frequent fast charging, charging up to 100%, letting it run completely empty can cause the battery to wear out faster.
- Software updates: some models (such as VW ID.3) have received updates that improve performance. The on-board computer will give you information about the latest updates.
- Usage: honestly consider how you drive. Do you drive 40 km to and from work every day? Or do you drive 300 km every weekend?
Conclusion: can I get rid of my odor damage
Odor damage in a used electric car sounds annoying, but in practice, it is often quite solvable. With a good cleaning, air filter replacement and ozone treatment, the smell is usually almost completely gone. And if it's still not to your liking, we're here for you.
👉 We can find a good match for you, too! Let us know what you're looking for through a no-obligation search.
