5 reasons to consider colour when car shopping
WHEN buying a car, several things are usually considered, including the total mileage on the vehicle, fuel efficiency, and the accessibility of car parts.
However, one feature that has been the subject of much debate is whether the car’s colour should be a major factor when choosing a motor vehicle.
Car enthusiast and auto mechanic Roshane Holness says, while it should not be the single defining factor, there are good reasons to consider the car’s colour when next you are on the hunt for a motor vehicle.
Below, Holness shares five reasons to think colour when car shopping:
1. It could be a ‘theft-proof’ mechanism
The car colour that you choose could increase or decrease the chances of your car being stolen.
Holness said that, in some instances, a unique car colour — such as yellow or a bright green — can be synonymous with a very expensive security system as it can be a deterrent for thieves. The auto mechanic said this is not only because it is easily identifiable, but because cars with unique colours would likely take a much longer time to be sold, or would require additional effort, such as a new paint job, in order to keep the police away.
2. It may affect the maintenance of your motor vehicle
The colour of your car can determine the amount of work you will have to put into maintaining your car.
“Lighter-colour cars are easier to maintain because darker colours tend to show scratches easier, as well as wear and tear, and as such require extra maintenance,” Holness explained.
He said, too, that simple car care, such as wiping or shining down vehicles, might require more time than if the car is white, silver or grey.
3. It could affect the resale of your motor vehicle
Light colours, such as white, grey and silver, are among the five most popular car colours. This is why car dealers tend to have a greater percentage of these colours in stock.
Having a car in one of the popular colours will make it much easier for you to sell your used vehicle, even to used car dealerships, because they are also looking for cars that are easier to sell.
4. It can influence car temperature
“While most people don’t consider car colours in relation to temperature, the truth is that the colour car you choose can really affect the temperature of the car,” Holness said.
He explained that lighter colours, such as white, silver and grey, are more suited for tropical countries because the cars tend to be cooler.
5. It might decrease your chance of being in an accident
Lighter colour cars and even brighter colour cars, such as white, silver and bright green and yellow vehicles, can increase your visibility.
“Having a lighter- or brighter-coloured vehicle might not guarantee safety against accidents, but when your car is easier to see that might reduce your chances of an accident, and, in particular, multiple-vehicle collisions,” Holness said.
Consider your style
Most motor vehicle enthusiasts are ignoring certain recommendations — such as choosing a colour that can make resale easier — and more people are breaking trends and becoming bolder with their choice of car colours to achieve their dream look.
“People are choosing anything from really bright colours to custom matte finishes, not just because they want to stand out, but because it does something for them personally,” Holness shared.
He also suggested that, if resale is not on your mind, then definitely go for your dream colour.
