According to AAA, the average American spends 17,600 minutes in their car a year. That means that, most likely, you and your car are going to be spending a lot of quality time together. You want a car that reflects you. If you’re considering which color you want for the car you drive off the lot, or maybe you just want to increase the value of your trusty steed, here are some of the best-selling car paint colors and what you might consider when picking one of them.
Silver
Across the board, silver is one of the most popular colors for cars, especially luxury cars. It’s sleek but understated, expressing class without being overly showy or boastful. Its popularity increases your car’s resale value, and, unlike other neutral tones, has a lot more room for different shades and hues. Whether you want an eye-catching, light metallic shade or a darker, more businesslike one, there’s a shade of silver for you.
White
Also near the top of the list of best-selling car paint colors is white paint. Because white is almost as popular as silver, cars with white paint have a similarly high resale value. With their light, reflective color, white cars have a lower crash rate than any other paint color. They also tend to stay cooler in direct sunlight. That means that a white car can run with a lower capacity AC, which contributes to the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Black
It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s eye-catching. Black puts every curve of your car on display while emanating power and luxury. Its popularity adds to its resale value, and although this heat-sucking color may make your car difficult to get into in the summer, it will be your best friend during the winter—that is, until you see the road salt on the side of the car. Having a black car is definitely a labor of love, so if a black car is your destiny, consider the different types of car wax that might be beneficial for your vehicle.
Red or Blue
The idea that having a red car drives up your insurance is a myth, and the benefits of driving a bold red hotrod extend beyond looking cool. Red cars have great visibility in virtually all weather conditions. And, although neutral cars tend to fill the car market, there are fewer colorful cars on the market, creating a higher demand for them when you go to sell. Unfortunately, the rumors that red cars are more prone to tickets are, statistically, true. As such, if you want the personality of a brighter color with the benefits of a more neutral color, we suggest choosing blue, which is the most popular color after the neutral colors and the least likely to be stolen.
People have differing opinions on the best car paint color, and the debate will likely continue to rage for the rest of time. Each color has its benefits and drawbacks, and with enough regular care and shine, any color will make an old car look new. The choice is up to you.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
