One of the deciding factors, when you’re looking to replace your old vehicle with another, is color. Certain exterior colors are more popular than others, which makes them harder to find. Minivans, for example, don’t look good in bright reds and yellows, but high-performance sports cars do. And, is it true that bright red cars get pulled over more often for speeding? In the end, does the color of your vehicle really matter when it comes to avoiding accidents, insurance rates, resale value, or just simply keeping it clean? According to auto industry experts, it does. Now let’s explore in more detail the role a car’s color plays, and why.
Studies have found that color is a major factor when consumers are shopping for products. In fact, the social research firm Yankelovich Partners discovered several years ago that 39% of consumers would rather switch brands entirely if they couldn’t find a given product in their favorite color. According to retail auto sales figures, the most popular colors across all categories for new and used vehicles sold annually in the U.S. are:
For trucks, SUVs, and minivans, white reigns supreme, and for all other passenger vehicle types silver ranks first. So, what does this all mean for you? For starters, color plays a powerful role in determining a vehicle’s resale value, with all other factors being equal. The more popular the vehicle’s color, the harder it is to find and higher its market value. And let’s be honest… if your car is orange or bright green, it may be difficult to get rid of later!
Black is a popular vehicle color, but by far it’s also the most dangerous in terms of accidents, including fatal ones. In fact, based upon DMV accident statistics, black vehicles are 47% more likely to be involved in mishaps, day or night, than any other color, and 12% more likely than white ones during peak daylight hours. That’s because black projects a low-visibility signature to other drivers, especially around dusk or dawn. Other less-safe colors with similar “camouflage” characteristics include gray, silver, blue and dark green.
Fortunately for drivers who own black vehicles, insurance companies are color blind when it comes to setting rates. Instead, insurers charge premiums based on a car’s make, model, year, body type, and engine size, along with one’s personal driving record. However, if you decide to paint your car a different color, notify your friendly agent immediately or your policy could be invalid. Oh, and bright red vehicles don’t get ticketed by cops for speeding more often than other colors. That’s simply untrue.
Ask any experienced auto detailer, and they’ll relate that darker colors like black, blue, charcoal gray or green highlight paint finish imperfections, including dirt, dents, scratches, swirl marks and dings, worse than lighter hues. On the other hand, more neutral color tones, notably ones with metallic finishes, hide blemishes better, including:
White and black vehicles show dirt, dust and bug splatter the most, and for these reasons:
Does paint color matter when your vehicle’s being painted at a body shop? No, because all paint finishes require the same mixing, matching and application methods by technicians.
When your vehicle’s been involved in an accident or just needs a new paint job, take it to a better collision repair shop nearby. Highly-skilled body shop technicians there have the training, experience and equipment to repair your vehicle, including its finish, like-new again promptly and reliably. Most body shops also work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to, and will communicate openly and honestly throughout to restore your peace-of-mind. And, if you just need your car or truck’s finish professionally detailed, most collision shops provide affordable detailing services too! To search your zip code here for a customer-reviewed collision repair shop in your area, visit www.carwise.com now.
