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Chemical Guys just released a new line of automotive air fresheners and sent us a sample pack. Since you can’t really smell anything through a screen, Bramble the dog and I cracked them all open, took some whiffs, and will now report our findings.
None of the scents are off-putting, and the packaging is quite clever. Instead of something dangling from your rear-view mirror, the Chemical Guys ScentTabs air fresheners clip to your vent louvers. The car’s HVAC fan then wafts the smell into the cabin, and you can control the intensity by opening or closing a little port on the back of the disc.
Bramble had some initial curiosity for “New Car” but was quickly distracted by a fly buzzing around the basement (she tried to eat it but was unsuccessful). Generally, she was not interested in or repulsed by any of these scent dispensers—which I’d actually take as a good sign. If the snout of a dog isn’t grossed out, you probably won’t bother any smell-sensitive people with any of these.
Andrew P. Collins
For those who like specific smells and perfumes, I’ll do my best to describe the offerings. But, word to the wise, if your car smells dank, masking that with a freshening product is not the move—consider cleaning your cabin filter or fixing whatever’s leaking if your vehicle is offensively odorous.
All these products are new and now listed at $19.99 for a four-pack. Check out the links to see the latest price and any sale promos that might be going on!
With that context in mind, onto the test. In order of my personal favorites (top pick first):
Name: “Tangled Sheets” [Check price on Amazon]
Official Description: “Fresh and clean Tangled Sheets fragrance echoes the comforting smell of just laundered linens for a soft, inviting interior that feels freshly cared for.”
Smells to me like: Clean laundry.
My Review: Clean is a good thing to smell like.
Name: “Galactic Scent” [Check price on Amazon]
Official Description: “Deep, layered Galactic fragrance blends cool and bold notes into an unmistakable interior scent that stands well apart from the ordinary air freshener aisle.”
Smells to me like: Men’s shower gel.
My Review: Kind of refreshing; makes me a little nostalgic for high school sports.
Name: “Black Frost” [Check price on Amazon]
Official Description: “Bold, cologne inspired Black Frost fragrance brings a crisp and refined character that keeps your interior smelling sharp, clean, and effortlessly put together.”
Smells to me like: Shaving cream.
Review: This could be good in small doses—it does smell fresh and clean.
Name: “New Car Smell” [Check price on Amazon]
Official Description: “Classic New Car scent recreates that fresh off the lot smell, giving any interior the clean and brand new feeling that drivers chase long after the purchase.”
Smells to me like: Airport duty-free shop.
Review: Smells like a perfume counter—not feminine, more of a luxury shopping experience.
Name: “Signature Scent” [Check price on Amazon]
Official Description: “Bold, recognizable Chemical Guys Signature scent, the brand fragrance fans know from the shop, now carried in a compact vent clip you can run every single day.”
Smells to me like: Coconut sunscreen.
Review: Nice to get a little hit of summer every time you turn your fan on, but it’s kind of intense.
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Automotive journalist since 2013, Andrew primarily coordinates features, sponsored content, and multi-departmental initiatives at The Drive.
