A new neighborhood on open land

Aurora Highlands is being built on open prairie east of E-470 near the airport. Residents drive almost everywhere, often long distances, and wind across open land carries dust and debris. Construction traffic adds fine dust that settles on cars and enters through the vents. Many homes are new, and so are many cars, which brings the chemical new-car smell that some people find unpleasant.

Airport workers and frequent travelers may leave cars parked for days at a time, which raises the risk of stale air and, in fall, of mice moving into engine bays from surrounding fields.

What to watch as a new-community driver

First months in a new car
New-car smell from plastics and adhesives fades faster with fresh air and sun-shade use.
Construction season
Dust loads the cabin filter; replace it more often.
Windy spring days
Debris collects in the cowl; clear it regularly.
Fall
Mice from open land look for shelter in parked cars.

Keeping a car fresh on the plains

  1. Replace the cabin filter often

    Dust and pollen from open land and construction fill it quickly.

  2. Clear the cowl

    Check the area below the windshield after windy weather.

  3. Air out a new car

    Open windows on mild days and park in shade to reduce new-car chemical smell.

  4. Protect parked cars from rodents

    Check engine bays and filter housings after a car sits for days.

Long drives and hot parking

Residents often drive long distances to work, shop and reach the rest of the metro area, and park in large open lots. Cars heat up quickly in the sun on the open plains, which intensifies any residue inside. Sunshades, removing food and running fresh air at the end of each drive keep the cabin from building up smells over the week.

Map of Aurora Highlands. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Should I worry about leaving my car parked for a long trip?

Check for rodent activity when you return, and run the fan on fresh air before driving. Keeping food out of the car reduces the attraction.

How often should I change the cabin filter near construction?

Check it every few months while major construction continues nearby; dust loads it quickly.

Does airport traffic affect car odor?

Not directly, but long parking periods at the airport mean checking for stale air and rodents when you return.

General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.