Blog - If you own a black or red car you need to read this - FAW Customs (2024)

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If you own a black or red car you need to read this

Ever wondered why the paint on red and black cars tends to fade faster than say green and blue? There is a scientific explanation. Racing red and glossy black are two of the most popular colour choices for luxury cars but without regular machine polishing, both tend to lose their lustre. Find out why black and red cars are more prone to fading and how the shine can be restored.

Why do red and black cars fade more quickly than others?

To understand why red and black paints fade more quickly than others we need to delve back into a school science lesson. If your eyes have already glazed over you may wish to skip the next few paragraphs.

You’ll remember from physics lessons that all colours absorb light from the sun. Red paint absorbs all the colours of the spectrum except red light which it reflects. Blue paint absorbs all the colours of the spectrum except for blue light which it reflects. The light which reflects hits the retina of our eyes, and unless you’re colour blind, that’s how you perceive colour.

The different colour lights on the spectrum have different wavelengths. Long wavelengths have less energy than short wavelengths.

Red has a very long wavelength and blue is very short. Because red paint absorbs blue light and others which are shorter in wavelength, the more energy it absorbs compared to other colours means the red pigment in the paint is eroded faster.

There is no such thing as black light So black paint absorbs all light – which is why black objects heat up very quickly – hence why black paint tends to fade quickly.

Remember the milky pink cars we used to see on the roads?

Most of us have probably seen a former red Astra or Fiesta on the road, which has turned a dirty salmon pink. Honda and Mazda models were also previously prone to suffering the same fate. This is because the quality of red pigment used by certain car manufacturers only improved from the late 1990s onwards, which explains why the red motors of today retain their vibrancy much better than the ones that were abundant on the roads until just recently.

As for black, well black cars tend to be among the hardest to look after and show the most flaws in their paintwork. There remains a long-held muse among the car buying public that “you’ll only ever own one black car”. Black cars show up every scratch and speck of dust and fine swirls in the paintwork can be particularly obvious.

So why do we still buy so many red and black cars?

Black and red are still among the most popular colour choices for car buyers. Black was the second most popular colour choice in the UK in 2019, just behind silver and a little ahead of red. The reasons for this remain compelling.

A glossy, jet black motor oozes class. Large luxury cars like Range Rovers and Bentleys tend to look best in understated colours which is why so many on the roads are black. Black is also psychologically perceived as denoting elegance, quality and status.

We view red as representing excitement, energy and power. As James May once remarked, if you’re pondering purchasing a Ferrari ”you can have one but only if it’s red.” Research has only shown that Tesla models in red do best at holding their value.

How machine polishing can restore faded car paint

Neglected paint can be unattractive and reduce the resale value of your car. In most cases, machine polishing is the only way to effectively restore a car back to its shiny black or flame red. An annual machine polish can be the best way to restore depth and clarity to the vehicle’s paintwork.

A machine polish exfoliates your car and removes contamination and damage to reveal a factory-finish shine once complete. The process involves a minuscule amount of paint being removed from the surface of the vehicle using different grades of abrasive polishes which are applied and worked into the surface using a specialist polishing machine.

Can you get good results from a DIY machine polish?

You can perform a DIY job and invest in a machine polisher yourself. But machine polishing is a labour-intensive process and would require setting a weekend aside to complete the job. In truth, machine polishing is usually best only performed by an amateur if they’re super confident in their abilities to achieve a good result and to do so safely.

  • February 21, 2020

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Blog - If you own a black or red car you need to read this - FAW Customs (2024)

FAQs

What kind of person drives a black car? ›

Black is a color that symbolizes authority with its distinctive heaviness. It also creates a strong and sophisticated mood, as well as a luxurious sensation. People driving black cars value order and rules, and tend to be conservative.

What kind of person drives a red car? ›

Red – confidence and enthusiasm

If you own a red car, chances are you have a bold, energetic, and confident personality. According to research, red car owners are often enthusiastic and not afraid to stand out in the crowd, they are natural leaders and have high levels of self-confidence.

Is buying a red car a bad idea? ›

While red does tend to be associated with less of a risk of accidents than black, grey, and silver cars, red cars have more accidents than many other colors. When compared with the safest color on the road, red cars have a 7 percent higher risk of an accident. Red is such a bold, vibrant color.

Is a black car a bad idea? ›

Despite the popularity of black cars, there are some drawbacks to owning one. Black cars show dirt and scratches more easily than lighter-colored cars. They also tend to be hotter inside during summer months because they absorb more heat from the sun.

What is the psychology of black cars? ›

Driving a black car indicates that you prefer to exude excellence and power in yourself. You may also desire more depth in your life. Black also suggests strong primal instincts.

What do black cars symbolize? ›

Black. The color black symbolizes elegance, power, sophistication, as well as authority, control, and strength. Furthermore, it implies that you and your car are both powerful, but also mysterious and sophisticated in your own way.

What kind of person buys a red car? ›

Red: Sensual, dynamic, outgoing

But those who go vibrant are bolder. “There's definitely an element of sensuality that goes with red,” Eiseman says. “There's that dynamic quality and high energy. They like to be seen as someone who really stands out and they like to call attention to themselves.

What is the psychology of buying a red car? ›

The Red Car Theory is a concept that deals with the phenomenon of heightened awareness and selective attention. It posits that once something has been brought to our attention, we start noticing it more often, not because it has become more prevalent, but because we've become more attuned to noticing it.

What does it say about you if you have a red car? ›

Red cars. Red symbolises action, passion and strength, and will likely appeal to drivers with a vibrant personality. “If you own a red vehicle, you're bound to have quick reactions,” Chiazzari commented. “You are a confident motorist who isn't afraid of being in everyone's line of vision.

Is insurance higher on red cars? ›

As a red car owner, you may have heard that your vehicle's color could lead to higher insurance premiums. However, the truth is the color of your car, even if it's red, doesn't impact your insurance costs. Most insurers don't even ask about your car's color when determining premiums.

Do police pull over red cars more often? ›

Which Color Gets Pulled Over the Most? According to the National Motorists Association, white-colored vehicles get pulled over the most. That said, red vehicles come in second, followed closely by gray and silver. Unsurprisingly, white cars are stopped by law enforcement because it's the most common vehicle color.

What is the safest car color to have? ›

According to Kelley Blue Book, white is the most popular color choice for minivans, pickup trucks, sedans and luxury cars alike. White is also considered the safest color. In fact, in comparison to white vehicles, black cars are 12% more likely to be involved in an accident.

What color makes a car look expensive? ›

On the complete opposite end of the color spectrum, you can go with a beautiful Eminent White Pearl. Its beautiful sheen will look immaculate, especially in the wintertime. White cars have a natural sense of luxury and classiness that can't be denied.

What is the superstition about black cars? ›

Black cars are not recommended for people who were born on Thursday as it is believed to be a forbidden color and may only bring obstacles to the driver. Brown car drivers tend to be independent and not very socially active. They love simple things and are very disciplined.

What color car do deer hit most? ›

Deer hit cars of all colours, but studies have shown that deer are more likely to collide with white and silver vehicles than any other colour.

What is the favorite color of cars for men? ›

Gender plays a role in color preference – Several studies have concluded that gender does in fact play a role in exterior car color preferences. For example, men chose a yellow-colored car 34% more frequently than women. Conversely, women preferred teal vehicles more often than men.

What are the facts about black cars? ›

Specifically, black cars have a 12% increased risk during the daytime and a shocking 47% crash risk as compared to a white car at dawn or dusk. At night the crash risk of black cars is not statistically significant as compared to white cars.

How do you describe a black car? ›

Black: Dangerous, rebellious. Black cars are far and away more likely to be involved in an accident and a road rage incident. However, black is also used to denote power, which is why it is a popular choice in executive cars.

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