Choosing the color of your car is surprisingly difficult.
It’s a daunting prospect when you think about it. You’ll presumably want to use your car for at least a few years, so you’ll naturally want to pick a color you like. The only problem is, there’s a lot of hearsay that might cloud your judgment. Some people will tell you to avoid certain colors because they get pulled over more. Others will say certain colors are better in warm weather. And that’s only scratching the surface.
Neither of us want you to be confused, so let’s change that right now. Here is why the color of your car does – but mostly does not – matter.
First, let’s get the big one out of the way. Many people believe red cars get pulled over more than other identical cars with different paint jobs. This is categorically false. The red car myth has been debunked numerous times, both by police officers and by surveys conducted by journalists. In truth, if you’re getting pulled over a lot, it’s probably because you’re not obeying the rules of the road. But if you fancy yourself a law abiding citizen, don’t be afraid of getting a red car.
Similarly, some believe red cars will hike your insurance rates. This is also false.
The second question I often get is whether cars with dark colors get hotter than other cars in the hot summer weather. This is actually true, albeit not as much as you might think. While dark colored cars will get hotter a bit quicker, all cars will eventually heat up to roughly the same temperature after enough time. Your car’s internal temperature is more greatly affected by other aspects, such as the material of the seats. I’d get too far off topic by listing every example, but give me a call if you’d like to know more about this subject.
This isn’t to say that your car’s color doesn’t matter at all. After all, silver cars are generally easier to maintain, while black cars give a sleek look at the cost of requiring a little more care and upkeep. The color of your car can also increase its potential resale value, though this is admittedly hard to predict. And if you’re buying a used car, older vehicles with retired paint jobs might cost you more to fix scratches. If this is something that concerns you, I can let you know which car colors are still in production.
At the end of the day, you’re going to want a car you like looking at. Some people like white cars that don’t attract a lot of attention. Others like hot pink cars covered in glitter. But as long as they’re happy with their cars, I say more power to them. If you’re undecided on your ideal car color, or you just want to see your options, I’d be happy to help you out. Give me a call, and together, I’m sure we’ll find something that you like.
