Most people choose the colour of their new wheels with their heart, guided by taste, personality, availability, or what looks best on the showroom floor. Yet that choice can follow them long after the keys are handed over.<\/p>\n
Keagan Sloman, Head of Product at financial services provider The Unlimited, believes motorists should look beyond personal preference when choosing a car colour, as it can influence the broader cost of ownership. \u201cDrivers often think about the make, model, features and monthly repayment, but colour can also affect the everyday realities of owning a vehicle,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about one colour being right and another wrong. It\u2019s about understanding the practical trade-offs before making the decision,\u201d he explains. \u201cFrom visibility and comfort to maintenance and resale appeal, the colour of your car isn\u2019t something you should choose with your heart alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sloman suggests considering the following before choosing the colour of your new car:<\/p>\n
1. Visibility on the road<\/strong><\/p>\n Vehicle visibility plays an important role in everyday driving, particularly in low-light or poor-weather conditions. Lighter-coloured vehicles are generally easier to spot in early mornings, rainy weather or at night, while darker vehicles can blend more easily into the shadows.<\/p>\n No colour is inherently safer, since safe driving depends on factors such as awareness, road conditions, maintenance, and proper use of headlights. Still, visibility should form part of the decision when choosing a vehicle.<\/p>\n 2. Comfort in hot weather<\/strong><\/p>\n In South Africa\u2019s climate, car colour can affect how hot a vehicle feels after it\u2019s been parked in the sun. Darker colours absorb more heat, while lighter shades reflect it. Air conditioning helps to cool the cab down after a while, but anyone who\u2019s climbed into a car after it\u2019s been standing in the sun knows those first few minutes can be very uncomfortable. So, for drivers who park outside often, colour can make a noticeable difference to day-to-day comfort.<\/p>\n 3. Maintenance and everyday wear<\/strong><\/p>\n Some paintwork is easier to maintain over time. Dark hues show dust, water spots, swirl marks and small scratches more clearly. Although they can look striking when clean, they usually need more regular upkeep to maintain that polished appearance.<\/p>\n Lighter-coloured vehicles, particularly silver and white, tend to hide dust and minor imperfections more effectively, making them less demanding to maintain.<\/p>\n Everyday wear is inevitable; parking lots, road debris, and daily use can all leave scratches or dents on your car over time, but the vehicle\u2019s colour can affect how noticeable they become.<\/p>\n 4. Resale appeal and buyer preference<\/strong><\/p>\n For many South Africans, a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases they\u2019ll make, which is why long-term resale appeal matters. Neutral finishes such as white, silver, grey and black remain popular because they attract a wider range of buyers. Bolder or more distinctive paintwork can also stand out, but it may suit more specific tastes.<\/p>\n \u201cColour alone won\u2019t determine resale value, but it can influence buyer preference and overall market appeal. In the end, a car that\u2019s been cared for mechanically and cosmetically will generally be more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell. Managing minor cosmetic damage with Scratch and Dent cover, and unexpected mechanical issues with a good motor warranty, can help protect the vehicle\u2019s appearance, performance and long-term value,\u201d Sloman concludes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Most people choose the colour of their new wheels with their heart, guided by taste,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motoring"],"yoast_head":"\n