I'm not sure what's going on with your car, but I totally get how an odor can really cause severe symptoms. Different odors can really push me over the edge. Like I hate to be a party pooper, but I can't always hang out with my friends if they are smoking. It's not worth getting sick over. I'm sorry no one believes you. Obviously, you are reacting to something. I just don't know what it might be. I hope someone has some idea.

I have found that many cleaning products make me feel sick and headachy (as well as many perfumes and the sort of things you mentioned), so perhaps if they cleaned the car as some places do as a courtesy there is a residual of that. It doesn't necessarily have to be strong enough for you to consciously notice it for it to effect you.

I've found that when hubby gets diesel smells in the truck from working on his "toys" (backhoe, etc) that if I can leave the windows open for a couple hours and then use a good shot of "Ozium" spray and close it up overnight, then air it again... it's usually good for me to be in. Don't know about you folks but the minute I even see I might go past or be behind a diesel engine vehicle I have to close windows and vents up tights on inside air.. oy, instant headache! http://smile.amazon.com/Ozium-Sanitizer-Airborne-Eliminates-Freshener/dp/B0143M9KP6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458434150&sr=8-1&keywords=ozium
I also use one of these in my own car in case he drags in an odor or like triunfadora if I have visited a smoker. I'm with you, I love my friends but if they smoke I have to go home and shower and wash everything I wear if I go to their homes...even have to bring an old purse...

Hi!!

IMHO Nina has the best idea. GET RID of the odor. If you are not sure what it is that's causing the smell, you could take your car back to the mechanic and ask him what they used, because you need to rid the car of smell, as it is making you sick! I'm sure they have plenty of customers that have this complaint.

Seriously though...if it's an oil based product in your car, it may be difficult to get the smell out. That's why I like Nina's idea. If it doesn't work, tell your mechanic to do something about the residual odor! I'm sure he will try to help you. He will at least know what the smell is, so you can address this yourself! xo

Brain fog is awful this week. I referred to something I use in my car and did not post a link to it... mea culpa.
This thing is fabulous :)
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B012CDEMFG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_3&smid=A29A0RMW630ULS

I may just get that for my car, Nina! Thanks! xo

I think the problem may be a grease they applied in the doors think it's called lithium grease its a thick white substance and can't imagine it's very easy to remove :(
Hate how this affects every part of my life :(

I used to get really bad headaches and jaw pain whenever I worked on my trucks. I suspect the solvents I used to clean parts, but it's hard to say for sure what caused it.

My theory is that there are automotive chemicals that irritate the sinuses, causing them to block. This would theoretically produce both headaches and jaw pains.

I never did find a fix for the problem. It's caused me to avoid doing automotive work, which is not a good solution. One of my two trucks has been sitting idle for years because I never did get around to fixing the problem it had with the gas line. It really bothers me that I've neglected that work...I'm not that kind of person ordinarily.

Automotive work uses a lot of organic solvents like trichloroethylene that are very irritating. Gasket sealers, lubricants, coatings...all these things have solvents that gas off after the work is done. It's not the fault of the mechanics...they have to use the materials that are available to them.

Thanks Richie I'm hoping it will fade as time goes on then :/