Does Car Color Matter?

When you’re preparing to buy a new car or used car, factors such as technology, safety features and cost are undoubtedly key considerations. Another important item that often tops the list? Color.

Many consumers identify vehicle color as a major factor in purchasing a car. And according to research by global paint supplier PPG, two-tone finishes and personalization are surging in popularity. Personal preference aside, how important is car color when it comes to resale value, safety and other concerns?
Learn more by reading this primer on car color facts. When you’re done, test your knowledge with the quiz below.

Expert insights about car colors.

1. Historically, white has been a popular color choice for cars. And according to the PPG’s Automotive Color Popularity Report, the demand for white vehicles hasn’t changed. Globally, white is most popular at 35%, followed by black cars at 18%. Silver cars and gray claim 14% and 11% shares in car color popularity, respectively.

2. People take car color seriously. According to PPG’s research, more than half of respondents would rather wait for their color choice than opt for their second choice. The best car colors are the ones that people pick for themselves.

3. Car buyers don’t have to commit to just one tone. PPG found that two-tone finishes and personalized colors are among the most popular car colors. “Along with special-order colors, tinted clearcoats, tricoats and matte finishes, two-tone finishes better reflect vehicle owners’ individual preferences and personalities,” explains Misty Yeomans, PPG color styling manager, automotive OEM, Americas, in this press release.

4. A white car could keep you safer on the road. Studies suggest that white is one of the safest colors for cars because it tends to be the most visible at night and in most weather conditions— except snow.

5. Neutral colors have better resale value. While bright colors (think bright yellow cars, red and blue cars) might temporarily make your vehicle more appealing, sticking to neutral colors such as silver, gray and white are safer bets, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s because daring colors can depreciate your car’s value and are harder to resell.

6. Neutral colors are popular among thieves. Black, white and gray are the colors most frequently associated with vehicle thefts.

7. Your car’s color won’t get you pulled over. Despite the persistence of this myth, there is simply no evidence to back the notion that certain color cars are more likely to receive speeding tickets.

8. The amount you pay for car insurance is based on many factors, but color isn’t one of them. It’s a myth that certain colors, such as red, increase insurance rates. Insurance companies will tell you that the most important factor to getting a great insurance rate is a good driving record (with no accidents and traffic violations). Other factors: the make and model of the car, the amount of your deductible, your car’s safety and security features, the number (and type) of claims you file.

9. Car color affects temperature. When a car is parked outdoors or in a parking lot in a hot climate, the vehicle’s exterior paint will either reflect or absorb sunlight. Darker colors (including dark blues) absorb more heat and energy as do paints with higher metallic content.