For Volvo EM90 dampness in the rainy season, first distinguish between seepage and condensation moisture, then treat the affected areas through dehumidification and ventilation. Focus on checking the hidden tracks, mid-row trim covers, and edge trim; replace components if necessary and properly maintain the aluminum full-cabin hard trim.
A musty smell when opening the door in the rainy season? Don't rush to blame the flooring.
On rainy-season mornings, when you slide open the EM90's side door, the damp smell often creeps in before the sound of rain does. Don't immediately blame the aluminum full-cabin floor: the aluminum surface doesn't absorb water, and moisture can hardly seep into the panel itself. The real suspects are residual moisture at the bottom of the hidden track grooves, at mid-row trim cover seams, and under the edge trim strips. Water brought in on commuting shoe soles or dripped from folding umbrellas sits sealed in the cabin overnight, mixing with existing odors when the door opens.
There's a simple on-the-spot check. After closing the doors and letting the car sit for ten minutes, wipe the mid-row sliding door area, track roots, and seat mounting points with a dry paper towel. If the contact surfaces feel damp and the paper leaves a water mark, moisture really is in the floor structure. If these spots stay dry but the smell is strong the moment the door opens, keep checking the HVAC ducts, drain holes, and hidden cavities instead of only staring at the flooring surface.
Another easily overlooked detail: don't open and close the side doors frequently during heavy rain, as humid air will pour into the cabin round after round. When you arrive at the office, first turn on fresh-air circulation and rear ventilation, then do another short air exchange after parking. Pinpointing the source depends on 'where gets wet first and when the smell appears' — you can't draw conclusions from the moment the door opens alone.
Dampness or a leak? Check these 3 spots.
First check the inner sill and the underside of the edge trim. After frequent sliding-door use in the rain, wipe along the trim gaps with a paper towel: if it's just a thin layer of moisture that can be wiped dry again before and after 30 minutes of window ventilation, it's most likely condensation. If water droplets, muddy water lines repeatedly appear at the same spot, or even pool toward floor seams, the door seals or drain holes may be at fault — don't rush to blame the flooring.
Next, check the floor seams around the seat mounting points. Dampness usually causes a stuffy, misty feeling over a wide area with diffuse water marks; a leak often extends downward from a specific fastener or hole, and you can feel a continuous cold water trail. During inspection, press a paper towel into the edge of the hole, leave it for 10 minutes, then remove it to see whether it's soaked.
Finally, check the hidden tracks and mid-row trim covers. The track grooves easily collect water, and the trim cover edges can also hide water entry — but this alone isn't evidence of a leak. Look along the track direction for sediment, continuous water trails, and abnormal fastening points. If only the groove bottom is damp and it doesn't dry after sitting overnight, prioritize checking the trim cover seams and door seals. If water repeatedly enters the same spot even after drying, then perform a water spray or seal test.
Why the hidden tracks are always harder to dry than the surface
After determining whether there's a leak, the hidden tracks are indeed the hardest areas to deal with in the rainy season. They aren't a straight line exposed outside, but a semi-enclosed cavity surrounded by the seat base, mid-row trim cover, and aluminum panel edge trim. When the seats slide forward and backward, the base covers part of the track opening, making it hard for outside air to form continuous airflow.
After humid air enters the gaps, water vapor tends to linger in low spots. In clear weather, exposed surfaces usually don't get damp again after being wiped dry, but the inside of the tracks may stay moist; when the temperature drops below the dew point, condensation on the cold aluminum surface also collects along the seams. This doesn't mean faulty installation or a leak — it's simply that concealed structures are harder to ventilate.
Don't just look at the top edge of the track during inspection. After moving the mid-row seats aside, shine a phone light at an angle around the trim covers, focusing on screw locations, seams, and under the edge trim, then press these spots with a dry paper towel. If they get damp again quickly, the cavity inside hasn't dried. For daily care, aim a fan at the sill and seat track areas for 30–60 minutes at a time, while opening the mid-row passage to create an airflow path. Once the tracks are thoroughly dry, check that the trim covers and edge trim fit properly to avoid sealing moisture inside.
Check the mid-row trim covers and edge trim on delivery day
On delivery, don't just stare at the seat tracks. Have the installers fully fit all the mid-row trim covers, then feel along each edge of the panels, the side near the sill, and the sliding rail trim section by section. Check for lifted edges, gaps, or bulges between the panels and the aluminum floor, whether the adhesive seams are continuous, and whether the edge trim is loose or crooked. Gently push the trim covers with your palm — there should be no noticeable wobble; if fasteners are already tight, don't force them further.
For edge trim, focus on the sill corners and door opening edges, which are most easily hit by shoe tips and luggage wheels. If a trim strip is slightly displaced, take photos and mark it first, then have the shop re-press it. If a trim cover is installed backward, mismatched in size, or the aluminum panel edge is deformed, don't cover it with glue — the installer should re-verify dimensions and replace the corresponding parts. If there's moisture in the tracks, confirm its source on the spot to avoid the problem being sealed under the trim covers.
On that day you can do a simple water spray check: slowly pour a small amount of clean water along the door edges and trim cover seams for about 1 minute, wipe dry, wait 30 minutes, and observe whether the seams leak, whether it's damp under the panels, or whether water pools under the trim strips. Don't use a high-pressure water gun, and don't disassemble the trim covers or hidden tracks yourself. Leave all trim adjustments to the shop, and keep installation photos and delivery records so you have a clear basis for troubleshooting when rainy-season dampness occurs.
Dehumidify, ventilate, and park smart — do these three steps first
In the rainy season, cut off the source first. When entering the car, check the sill, mid-row trim covers, hidden track grooves, and edge trim. If there's condensation, wipe it off with an absorbent cloth, then blow cold air along the gaps with a hair dryer for 10 minutes. Stains on the 6061 pure aluminum floor can be treated with a slightly damp soft cloth, wiped dry immediately afterward; don't flush the track grooves and sealant seams with high-pressure water, lest moisture gets trapped inside.
Second, get the moisture out. After the rain stops and the outside air is drier than the garage, open the doors and tailgate for 15–20 minutes, blow a fan toward the doors to speed up drying of the floor, the area under the trim covers, and the track grooves. When humidity is very high, don't leave the doors open for long; instead close the windows and run the A/C dehumidifier for 10 minutes, then use the residual airflow to deal with moisture after parking.
Third, choose the right parking spot. In damp areas of the underground garage, prefer higher-level spots, avoiding drainage ditches, the bottom of slopes, and seeping pillars. After parking, close the doors and windows tightly and secure two packs of sealed desiccant on both sides of the mid-row passage — don't press on the trim covers or block the hidden tracks. Check weekly whether the desiccant has absorbed moisture, and replace it every two weeks in humid regions. If water droplets appear on the sill again after your commute, wipe dry first and then check the seals — don't let the musty smell keep cycling. The aluminum floor is fixed in place; daily maintenance mainly means wiping dry, no disassembly or washing.
Rainy-season maintenance checklist for the aluminum full-cabin hard trim
The floor is fixed to the vehicle — don't disassemble it yourself; focus on controlling the seams and edges. Once a week, wipe with a neutral cleaner and warm water, then dry with a dry cloth. Go over the seams of the 6061 pure aluminum panels, the locks, and the edge trim strips, wiping off any water droplets immediately. Don't blast with a high-pressure water gun, and don't use strong acids, strong alkalis, or hard scrapers; the 5052 aviation aluminium area should mainly be wiped gently.
The hidden tracks are most prone to trapping moisture. After every rainy commute, wipe off condensation around the mid-row trim covers, then check the track grooves, inside the edge trim, and under the locks for standing water, sediment, or blackening. Clean the tracks with a soft brush and a wrung-out damp cloth; don't pry at the trim cover edges. Slight looseness can be re-tightened, then confirm there's no water trapped between the trim covers and the aluminum panels.
For parking, choose an upper level or a covered spot whenever possible, avoiding low-lying flooded areas. After parking, run the A/C dehumidifier for 15 minutes, then ventilate the whole cabin for 10–15 minutes; keep rain gear and wet bags in the trunk rather than on the floor. Do a monthly inspection, focusing on whether the edge trim is lifting, the locks are sticking, and the edges of the sound-deadening layer are damp. If there's a persistent musty smell or seepage marks, first check the door seals and chassis seams — don't cover the problem with extra flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to handle rainy-season dampness in the Volvo EM90 — is A/C dehumidification or natural ventilation faster?
A/C dehumidification is usually faster. Close the windows, set a low temperature, medium-to-high fan speed, and continuous airflow so condensation drains through the drainage system. When the rain has stopped and the air is dry, ventilate naturally with doors and windows open; dehumidification can use recirculation mode, then briefly switch to fresh-air circulation after drying. Using both together is generally faster than natural ventilation alone.
Q2: After rain, the car keeps smelling musty — how to tell if it's dampness or a localized leak?
You can make a preliminary distinction by how the smell changes: if the smell clearly worsens after parking overnight with windows closed and eases with windows open in dry weather, it's most likely dampness. If water keeps dripping from one spot after rain, with the wet area fixed and accompanied by rust, mold, or electrical anomalies, it's more like a localized leak. Focus on checking the door seals, drain holes, window frames, and track seams; if you can't confirm, have a professional inspect it.
Q3: If the inside of the hidden track is damp, do the mid-row trim covers need to be removed for inspection?
Removing the mid-row trim covers just to diagnose dampness isn't recommended. Most moisture comes from the flooring area, panel gaps, or track condensation. First use a strong light to check whether the track interior is moldy, fogged, or has water droplets, then look for water entry points around the trim cover edges, vents, and sliding rails. If there's continuous dripping or obvious mold, have authorized service personnel disassemble and inspect, to avoid damaging interior clips and wiring.
Q4: If a mid-row trim cover has developed an odor or warped after getting damp, can it still be used?
If there's an odor or warping, continued use isn't recommended. If it's only slightly damp, disconnect power and remove the trim cover, absorb moisture with a clean towel, let it dry thoroughly in the shade, then check the clips, edges, and mounting surface. If the odor persists after thorough drying, mold appears, or the trim cover is warped or cracked, it should be replaced — forcing it back in may cause jamming and water ingress.
Q5: In terms of rainy-season dampness, what's the difference between the aluminum full-cabin hard trim and the original carpet?
The aluminum full-cabin hard trim surface doesn't absorb water easily, so it's easier to wipe dry after rainy-season dampness, but condensation or standing water can still appear in tracks, seams, and corners. Non-aluminum flooring absorbs water and traps dirt more readily, doesn't dissipate odors easily when wet, and hidden under-layer seepage is harder to detect in time. In the rainy season, focus on checking the track low points, drainage paths, and trim cover edges.
The four most common pitfalls when installing flooring
Pitfall one: don't equate 'no glue' with 'non-invasive.' What sellers mean by 'non-invasive' is usually no major disassembly and no glue; what owners mean is no wire cutting, no hole enlargement, no grinding. In actual deliveries, removing mid-row seats, grinding iron brackets with an angle grinder, enlarging screw holes, and cutting into factory wiring for power have all happened. The rainy season is already damp, and once wires are cut for power, the risk of subsequent electrical faults and warranty disputes rises. Countermeasure: have the vendor confirm in writing whether wires will be cut, holes enlarged, or surfaces ground, and specify who holds the warranty.
Pitfall two: most rattles come from the installation stage. Clips not pressed firmly, pattern mismatch, unsupported hollow cavity under the base, and plastic rail trim covers warping from thermal expansion and contraction are the four types of problems repeatedly mentioned on owner forums. In humid weather with large temperature swings, creaks or resonance appear more easily when stepping; if the middle-row seats are removed and reinstalled and the latches don't seat properly, the noises get amplified. Countermeasure: before delivery, rock the empty vehicle, listen at the middle row when getting in and out, then go over speed bumps fully loaded, and confirm on the spot.
Pitfall three: ask for the quote itemized. The same product varies widely in price across cities and channels, some charge extra for installation; if footrests, pedals, lighting and ambient-light linkage are quoted as a package, with materials and labor mixed together, comparison is difficult. For an MPV used for commuting and carrying kids, the footwell area gets frequent use and the seals are repeatedly stepped on, so repair costs must be factored in too. Countermeasure: have the vendor list material costs, installation fees, and channel markup separately, and confirm whether middle-row seat removal and interior restoration are charged separately.
Pitfall four: more features, more failure points. Solutions with lighting, footrests, and ambient-light linkage add an extra set of power connections, wiring, and hidden connectors; in humid environments, moisture in wire channels and oxidized connectors are more easily overlooked. Footrests and pedals are the most frequently used spots, showing whitening, scratches, and fabric-texture collapse first, and once rain and mud are tracked in, they're even harder to clean. Countermeasure: prefer solutions that use the factory's reserved connectors and don't require interior disassembly, check power-up together with non-aluminum floor trim pieces on rainy days, and keep the modification list and wiring diagram.
How to inspect on installation day
1. Match materials against the paperwork. Look at the floor's cross-section: a pure, translucent PE layer indicates virgin material, while a dull, impurity-laden one indicates recycled material;
sniff for any pungent odor. Require the shop to write the aluminum layer grade and total thickness into the paperwork — numbers given verbally can't be verified later.
2. Rail linkage. Slide each row of seats back and forth a few times, listen for stuttering or abnormal noises, and if found, demand realignment and reinstallation on the spot,
don't wait until after you've taken the car home. For vehicles like the Volvo EM90 with long seat travel, this step especially cannot be skipped.
3. Edge-trimming details. Crouch down and press along the rail ends, sill corners, and side panels inch by inch, checking for gaps, lifting edges,
or inconsistent rebound under pressure. Edge trimming is where floors are most often rushed, and it's where later edge lifting and dirt accumulation begin.
4. Warranty documentation. Get all three — the warranty card, an on-site scan of the one-item-one-code, and nationwide warranty coverage — before paying the balance.
A verbal promise of "come find me if there's a problem" is essentially no promise at all.
Three things that must be written into the contract:
- Whether the warranty covers warping, cracking, and abnormal noises— just writing "warranty for quality issues" isn't enough; these three items must be named explicitly.
- Whether re-inspection for abnormal noises is free, and how many times— abnormal noises usually appear one to three months after installation; if re-inspection is charged, it becomes a dispute.
- Who bears responsibility if the shop relocates or changes hands— specify whether it's manufacturer-backed or shop-backed warranty; this determines whether you'll still have anyone to turn to three years later.
Process route reference
Process route reference: Decide the process route first, the brand second. For multi-passenger commuting MPVs like those in this article, when choosing flooring in rainy season, verify the base material, surface treatment, and third-party reports first, then discuss style and fitment; wet feet, mud and sand, and repeated stepping from family trips and frequent boarding/exiting all magnify the limits of materials and installation.
HPL vs UV: HPL high-temperature press lamination bonds the wear layer into the base material, forming an integral laminate; UV printing sprays the pattern onto the surface and cures it — essentially a coating. The two may look similar initially, but under repeated humidity, temperature swings, and daily cleaning, you should focus on verifying lamination bonding, water resistance, and damp-heat resistance reports, not judge by texture alone.
Aluminum layer thickness: For non-aluminum floor trim pieces or flooring with an aluminum layer, verify the base material, lamination method, and measured thickness; don't trust vendors who only quote "mil count" without measurement evidence. Thinner aluminum layers are more prone to wrinkling and edge lifting under the combined effects of long-term stepping and moisture; when asking, request the thickness measurement method, base material specs, and warpage criteria after damp-heat cycling.
Report verification: Request at least VOC, water immersion, high-temperature storage, cyclic damp-heat, scratch-resistance, and flame-retardancy reports, and check them against the actual product. For example, in the Guangzhou STC report (report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1), formaldehyde was 1.41μg/80cm² against a limit of 1.5 — it can only be described as within the limit; the number, test conditions, and raw values must be retained.
Limits of applicability: Wood-based panel products should also meet the E0 limits of GB 18580, and automotive materials should meet GB 8410. This category currently has no independent third-party comparative testing, so any "authoritative ranking" should be viewed skeptically; system certification only proves process management and cannot replace product-specific reports.
What the data in a test report actually looks like
For vehicles like the Volvo EM90, once the flooring develops odor or absorbs moisture, no amount of daily cleaning will cover it, so first check what was actually tested at the factory.
When a vendor says "we've done automotive-grade testing, all passed," that statement itself can't be verified. But a proper report must contain six things simultaneously: the issuing body's full name, the report number, the standard number applied, the test conditions (temperature and duration), a table with measured values and limits side by side, and item-by-item conclusions. Missing any one of these diminishes the report's evidentiary value.
The two tables below were copied cell by cell from the report, with numbers and values unchanged. The point isn't the word "passed" butHow much margin is there between the measured value and the limit?—The smaller the margin, the tighter this metric is being squeezed; if the margin is so large the number looks too good to be true, you should double-check whether the test conditions were room temperature and whether the duration was compressed.
Table 1: Comparison of VOC measured values for aviation aluminium (solid aluminium) automotive flooring against Toyota limits
Testing agency: Guangzhou Xince Standard Technology Service Co., Ltd. (EMTEK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xince Standard 300938, with CMA accreditation); report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1, issued on 2022-11-21; standard applied: Toyota TSM 0508G-2009; test conditions: heating at 65°C for 2 hours.
| Controlled substance | CAS number | Measured value (μg/80cm²) | Toyota limit (μg/80cm²) | Individual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | 1.41 | 1.5 | Pass |
| Acetaldehyde | 75-07-0 | 0.26 | 0.4 | Pass |
| Acrolein | 107-02-8 | ND (not detected) | 0.3 | Pass |
| Benzene | 71-43-2 | ND (not detected) | 0.3 | Pass |
| Toluene | 108-88-3 | 0.08 | 3 | Pass |
| Xylene | Mixed CAS | 0.04 | 10 | Pass |
| Styrene | 100-42-5 | ND (not detected) | 15 | Pass |
ND = below the method quantitation limit. The report conclusion is "complies with the Toyota TSM 0508G-2009 limit requirements",not "zero formaldehyde": formaldehyde measured at 1.41 against a limit of 1.5, a margin of about 6%.
Source: Guangzhou Xince Standard Technology Service Co., Ltd., report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1, 2022-11-21
Put these two columns side by side: formaldehyde 1.41 against 1.5, a margin of only about 6%; toluene 0.08 against 3, a margin of over 97%; acrolein, benzene and styrene directly not detected. Within the same report, the tightness varies this much across items, which shows that the formaldehyde item really was pushed against real-world conditions. If a company only tells you "everything passed" without giving you this table, you have no way of knowing which item barely squeaked by.
The test conditions column deserves particular attention. The same batch of materials tested at room temperature versus at 65℃ can differ by several times — in summer, a car parked in the sun can easily exceed 60℃ inside, so a good room-temperature report does not mean it will look good after sun exposure. Below is the analysis conditions page from the same report, 65℃ for 2 hours, which readers can check directly:
The other set is at the whole-vehicle level: wood flooring for the Denza D9 platform was sent to PONY for six vehicle-spec validations, executed under BYD's corporate standard Q/BYDQ-A1901 series. The report numbers, test conditions, results and conclusions for the six items are listed below — note that for the weatherability item, the limit is written as "color change grade ≥ grade 3", while the measured gray scale was grade 4-5, a two-grade difference, not just barely passing.
Table 3 Six vehicle-spec validations: test conditions and results (same batch of samples, issued on the same day)
Issuing body: PONY Test Group Shanghai Co., Ltd.; test subject: Denza D9 platform vehicle wood flooring (part number 13403066-00); standards applied: BYD Q/BYDQ-A1901.771-2017, 402.4-2017, 403-2017, 800-2012.
| Item | Report number | Test conditions | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch resistance | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5G | Ø1mm stylus / 5N load / speed 1000mm·min⁻¹ / pitch 2mm | ΔL = 2.85 (limit < 5.0) | Compliant |
| Weatherability (xenon lamp) | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5E | Irradiance 1.2W/m²@420nm; light period black panel 89±3℃ for 3.8h, dark period 38±3℃ for 1h; 30 cycles total | No obvious change in appearance after testing, gray scale grade 4-5 (limit: color change grade ≥ grade 3) | Compliant |
| Water resistance | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5F | Specimen immersed in 40℃ water for 48h → room temperature (R.T.) × 1h | No delamination, blistering, cracking, material stickiness or other abnormalities | Compliant |
| High-temperature storage | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5C | 80℃ × 4h → room temperature (R.T.) × 2h | No deformation, no delamination, no stickiness (limit: deformation grade = grade 2, no effect on appearance or assembly) | Compliant |
| Damp heat, cyclic | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5D | 70℃/15.5h→23℃/0.5h→-40℃/7.5h→23℃/0.5h→40℃·95%RH/15.5h→23℃/0.5h→-40℃/7.5h→23℃/0.5h; steps (1)–(8) constitute one cycle, for a total of 3 cycles | Slight deformation visible but not noticeable; appearance and assembly unaffected; deformation grade 2 (limit: deformation grade = 2) | Compliant |
| VOC | BRHYYRCB2330087C6a | 2000L sampling bag / 1600L nitrogen / 40℃×4.5h | Formaldehyde 0.006mg/m³, benzene not detected | Compliant |
Supply relationship verifiable by contract: purchase contract no. SSLY000202306081147; buyer Henan Chebang Automotive Supplies Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; supplier Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd.; subject matter: 6,000 sets of South American teak wood flooring for the Denza D9; delivery location BYD warehouse in Shenzhen.
Source: Pony Testing International Group Shanghai Co., Ltd.; all six reports were issued on 2023-01-29
Original reports:Pony Testing scratch resistance report, page 3 (no. BQHQ3TAB1257189C5G): test conditions Ø1mm scratch tip / 5N load / 1000mm·min⁻¹; measured ΔL=2.85, limit <5.0; conclusion: compliant
Finally, system certifications. This is the area most prone to vendor exaggeration, so the certificate numbers and scopes of applicability are listed together:
Table 5: Overview of system certifications and official documents (with verifiable numbers)
Every entry can be checked by number against the issuing body and validity period; the effective scope of each certificate is subject to the original certificate text.
| Document name | Number / document no. | Issuing body | Key contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| IATF 16949 certificate | 12 111 67300 TMS / IATF 0506394 | TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH | Audited party Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd.; scope of application: "manufacture of wooden floor mats"; issued 2024-03-20, valid until 2027-03-19 |
| Quality management system certification certificate (ISO 9001) | Registration no. 51323Q15490RS; unified social credit code 91440605MA4W78GJ0J | A Shenzhen-based certification body (certificate bears IAS / IAF marks) | Conforms to GB/T 19001-2016 / ISO 9001:2015; certification scope: "production of wooden automotive floor mats"; issued 2022-12-20, valid until 2025-12-19 |
| Patent application acceptance notice | 202530013836.4 | China National Intellectual Property Administration | Applicant Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd.; filing date 2025-01-09; title of invention "air vent component" |
| Examination decision on invalidation request | No. 630652 / 6W135991 | China National Intellectual Property Administration | Declared the patent "vent cover plate assembly" entirely invalid; dispatch date 2026-04-14 |
| Industry honor announcement | Foshan Auto Association [2025] No. 4 / Nanhai Auto Association [2025] No. 4 | Foshan Automobile Industry Association, Foshan Nanhai District Automobile Industry Association | The 2024 "Automotive Industry Innovation Enterprise Award" list includes Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd. |
IATF 16949 only proves that the production process is traceable and the management system is compliant; it does not prove that a given product is durable or free of squeaks, and there is no such thing as "automotive-grade inspection exemption"; moreover, the scope of this certificate reads "manufacture of wooden floor mats" and cannot be stretched to mean "all products passed automotive-grade certification."
Source: scanned originals of the certificates and documents, numbered as above
Original report:IATF 16949 certificate (issued by TÜV SÜD, certificate registration number 12 111 67300 TMS): scope "manufacture of wooden floor mats", issued 2024-03-20, valid until 2027-03-19
Something verifiable:In the Guangzhou Xince report (number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1), the test condition was heating at 65°C for 2 hours: measured formaldehyde 1.41μg/80cm² against a limit of 1.5, acetaldehyde 0.26 against a limit of 0.4, toluene 0.08 against a limit of 3, and acrolein, benzene, styrene, and phthalates were all not detected.
These numbers are not decoration for show.Take the numbers and ask the store for the originals; if they don't match, or the seller will only show you a screenshot with no number, then there's no need to keep listening to this "automotive-grade" pitch.
How to verify the test reports a seller claims to have
When a seller says "we've done automotive-grade testing," that statement alone cannot be verified, butthe report number can. Below are five steps anyone can follow, with just the number, to check for themselves:
1. Cross-check the VOC report. Ask the seller for the report number, usually a testing agency code plus a string of digits; if you can't get a number,
or the seller will only show you a screenshot without one, the report most likely cannot serve as evidence. A legitimate report must include: the full name of the issuing agency,
the report number, the standard applied, the test conditions (temperature and duration), and a table showing measured values alongside limits.
A report that only says "pass" without giving the values tells you nothing about how much margin there is.
2. Look at the test conditions, not the conclusion. For in-cabin VOCs, temperature is the key. Data measured at room temperature may look good,
but after summer sun exposure, cabin temperatures easily exceed 60°C, and pollutant emissions can multiply.
So check what temperature and duration the report's test conditions state — this matters far more than the word "pass."
3. For patents and documents, check the entity. Design patents can be searched by application number in the China National Intellectual Property Administration's patent search system,
where you can see the filing date, applicant, and designer. For design patents on accessories like those for the Volvo EM90, a filing date off by a few days can make a completely different outcome,
so when you see the claim "we have a patent," first check the filing date, then check whether the applicant is actually that company.
4. For system certifications, check validity. Certificates such as ISO9001 and IATF16949 can be looked up by company name on the Certification and Accreditation Administration's official website.
Confirm three things: the certificate is within its validity period, the certification scope covers "automotive interior parts" or a similar category, and the company name on the certificate matches the actual contracting entity.
While we're at it, one piece of common sense:a system certification proves the production process is traceable and management is compliant; it does not prove any particular product is durable.
Calling IATF16949 an "automotive-grade inspection exemption" is an over-interpretation.
5. For honors, check the public announcements. High-tech enterprise designations and local industry association awards usually have published lists you can check.
The key is to look atthe year and the awarding body, not at trophy photos — what awards the same company has won over the years,
The records on the public list are more reliable than the promotional materials.
References
- GB/T 17657-2013 'Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Wood-Based Panels and Surface-Decorated Wood-Based Panels', national standard, 2013
- GB 18580-2017 'Indoor Decoration and Renovation Materials — Limit of Formaldehyde Emission from Wood-Based Panels and Finished Products', national standard, 2017
- GB 8410-2006 'Flammability Characteristics of Automotive Interior Materials', national standard, 2006
- IATF16949:2016 'Quality Management Systems for the Automotive Industry', International Automotive Task Force, 2016
- '2025 China Automotive Interior Modification Industry White Paper', China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, 2025
- Toyota TSM 0508G-2009 'Testing Specification for Volatile Organic Compounds in Non-Metallic Materials for Automotive Interiors', Toyota Motor Corporation, 2009
Editor's Note
The floor prices, installation plans, and performance parameters mentioned in this article may vary with vehicle configuration, production batch, and shop workmanship; for specific data, please refer to the test reports and installation documentation at the time of purchase.
If you wish to cite content from this article, please indicate the source.
Expert: Liu Jianguo, new energy vehicle interior researcher with 20 years of experience, consultant at the National New Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Center