Quick Verdict
When it comes to air fresheners, I’ve mainly been using the Air Spencer CS-X3 Squash since 1999, and it’s one of the few products that really deserves the saying “if you know, you know.” Those air fresheners have gotten more and more expensive over the years, though, especially compared to when I used to pick them up in bulk whenever I visited Hong Kong. It’s not that I’ve ever been against trying something new. I’ve just never had much of a reason to switch.
That changed when Chemical Guys surprised me with an unexpected box. Inside was a handwritten card and three pairs of the new Chemical Guys ScentTabs in Tangled Sheets, Black Frost, and New Car Smell. After a week and change of cycling through them in my Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the biggest thing that stood out is how mild they are. These aren’t the kind of air fresheners that hit you in the face the second you open the door, and whether that’s good or bad really comes down to how strong you like your air fresheners.
Clip Notes
For those unfamiliar with them, ScentTabs are vent-clip air fresheners and odor neutralizers sold in two-packs for $9.99. The launch lineup includes five scents: New Car Smell, Galactic Scent, Black Frost, Signature Scent, and Tangled Sheets. Chemical Guys sent over three of the five, so this review covers Tangled Sheets, Black Frost, and New Car Smell specifically.
Each clip has an adjustable flow control that lets you change how much scent comes through the vent. Chemical Guys also says the ScentTabs neutralize odors rather than simply covering them up. The design itself is pretty simple, with a compact puck, the Chemical Guys logo on the face, and the scent visible through a small window in the center.
Vent Diagram
Installation is about as straightforward as it gets. You slide the clip into place based on whether your vent slats run horizontally or vertically, attach it to the vent, and adjust the flow control to your preference. There’s really not much more to it than that.
Given my history with the much stronger CS-X3, I expected the flow control to be something I’d constantly adjust. Instead, I ended up leaving it wide open the entire time because I wanted as much scent as possible. That became a pretty good indication of just how mild these are compared to what I’m used to.
Squash Match
If you’ve used the Squash CS-X3, you already know it can be very strong. Some people even prefer to keep the little enclosure mostly closed because the scent can get overwhelming. The ScentTabs are much milder, even with the flow control completely open.
After 27 years of using the same air freshener, I was genuinely curious how I’d feel about something this different. What surprised me is that I didn’t mind the lighter scent at all, although I still found myself wanting a little more of it. If you prefer something stronger, I imagine using both clips at the same time would make the scent more noticeable.
Scents and Sensibility
Of the three, Black Frost has been my favorite. It leaves a nice, fresh scent in the car without being overpowering, and it was the one I enjoyed the most during testing. If I were buying a two-pack for myself, that’s the one I’d order.
Tangled Sheets, meanwhile, smelled pretty much exactly like fabric softener sheets, which is either a compliment or a warning depending on how you feel about laundry day. New Car Smell didn’t quite hit the mark for me because it didn’t actually remind me of a new car. There’s nothing offensive about the scent, but it wasn’t what I expected based on the name.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Overall, I’d say the ScentTabs make the most sense for anyone who doesn’t want a really strong air freshener. They keep the cabin smelling fresh without filling the entire car with fragrance, and if you’ve found other vent clips too strong, these are much easier to live with. For me, that lighter approach took some getting used to, but I can see why plenty of people would prefer it.
Whether they can unseat 27 years of Air Spencer loyalty remains to be seen, but for now, they’ve given me the first real reason I’ve had to try something different. I’m also curious to see how long each one lasts, so I’ll update the review after I’ve had a few more months to test them.
Chemical Guys ScentTabs are priced at $9.99 per two-pack and come in five scents. This review is based on three pairs provided by Chemical Guys, tested over a week and change in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Chemical Guys had no opportunity to view this article before publishing and no influence over its contents. While Tunerzine has affiliate partnerships, these do not influence our editorial content. We may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page.
GalleryPhotos by Jason Siu
