When shopping for or selling a vehicle, it's important to consider color. The color of your vehicle can have various effects on your driving experience, the car's value, and even your insurance rates. Here are a few things that color affects when it comes to your vehicle.
Resale Value of Your Vehicle
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When you purchase a vehicle, you may have plans to sell it later when you're ready to upgrade. Something to keep in mind is the way that color can impact the value of your car down the road. Brighter shades, like neon green, may not sell as easily as popular colors like silver or black. Since neutral colors are in higher demand, vehicles in those shades are likely to sell more quickly.
If you are in the market for buying a used car, a brightly colored car may be harder to find, since there are simply fewer of these cars on the market. For the seller, they can increase the price of their vehicle because of scarcity. While the color of your vehicle doesn't necessarily impact the market value of the car, it can change the rate at which people want to buy your car if you decide to resell.
Interior Temperature
Certain colors can impact the temperature of your car's interior. When you park your car outside, it can either absorb or reflect the heat from the sun. For example, the color black absorbs heat more rapidly than other colors, which can make your interior hotter. This is magnified in vehicles with both a black exterior and interior. One way to address this issue is by tinting the windows of your black vehicle to block out as much sun as possible. Conversely, white vehicles can reflect heat, which means that the interior can stay cooler.
This is an important factor to consider in Farmington, Missouri, since it can become quite warm during the summer months. If you want a car that reflects the heat in the summer, consider a lighter color or plan to tint the windows of your vehicle.
Deterioration of Your Vehicle
Another factor impacted by your vehicles' color is the rate of deterioration. When you have a brightly colored car or a white vehicle, you'll be able to notice dirt and wear more easily. This may motivate you to visit the car wash on a regular basis, which can eventually wear away the paint job. Brightly colored cars can also fade in color over time, due to exposure to sun or rain. If you decide to resell your vehicle, consider refreshing the paint job before you list it on the market. This can increase the car's value.
The interior of your car may also experience the effects of deterioration. Some seat colors may show dirt more easily, while darker colors may retain sun damage. You can protect the interior of your car with a few simple habits. One strategy is to park in the shade or under a covering. If this isn't an option, you can use a windshield cover to block the sun from the interior of the car. Installing seat covers is another way to protect your car's interior.
Rate of Theft
Another important factor to consider if you're choosing a vehicle color is the rate of theft. Color has a slight impact on the rate of vehicle thefts. While no color is safe from theft, silver cars are broken into at higher rates than vehicles of a different color. Bolder colors may deter thieves since they are easier to spot and draw more attention. This may impact your choice if you live in a heavily populated city or urban area.
Safety
Feeling safe while you drive is crucial to an enjoyable driving experience. The color of your vehicle could impact your safety on the road. This is a result of visibility, especially when driving at night. White cars are one of the safest options, with low accident rates compared to cars of other colors. Since white is a bright option that reflects light, it's easier to spot on the road when driving at any time of day. Darker colored cars are slightly less visible, which may increase the risk of an accident.
If you spend a lot of time driving at night, consider choosing a car with a lighter color. However, if you spend most of your time driving in the daylight, you may not need to worry about the color of your car impacting your safety. You can speak to our team at CarSmart to determine which option is best for you.
Impact on Insurance Rates
It's a common myth that the color of your vehicle can impact insurance rates. While some cars may be more noticeable on the road, it's not likely that your insurance agency will increase your rate because of the color of your vehicle. Instead, there are many other factors that insurance companies consider before determining your insurance rate. For example, your insurance company cares about your driving and accident history, which they use to determine if you're a high- or low-risk driver. Higher-risk drivers may receive a higher price for their insurance than low-risk drivers.
However, one scenario where color could impact your insurance rates is if you opt for a custom paint job. When you modify your vehicle, you increase its value, often making it worth more than the market value. You can choose a policy that best suits your vehicle and its customizations. It's important to ask your insurance company about your rates before you decide to modify your vehicle. This can help you avoid unnecessary fees and get the best deal possible.
There are a variety of ways that color affects your vehicle. Color is an important element to consider when you're shopping for a new or used vehicle. You can rely on us at CarSmart of Farmington to help you find the best color vehicle for you and get pre-approved for a loan. Contact us to learn more about what new and used vehicles we have to offer.
