The Colors I’ve Never Considered for My Car
Over the years, I've owned vehicles of various colors, but there are a few that I've never considered, and perhaps you might share similar hesitations when it comes to choosing car colors. Let's delve into the details of these colors and why I've ruled them out.
Red: A Color I Became Tired Of
Red is the exception, and any shade of it. One of the major reasons I dropped red cars from my radar is simple: I've owned them for more than 24 years. From the exterior to the interior, red has been a constant in my driving life, and I got to a point where I just couldn't stand it anymore. The constant exposure to different shades of red made me realize that owning a red car could lead to a situation where I get tired of it so quickly.
When I was last considering a new car, the salesperson asked about my preferences. I made it clear that I had no issue with any color, except red. I even went as far as to say that if it were up to me, not even the taillights would be red. As soon as he saw I was not interested in red, he tried to outwit me by showing me a red vehicle. I politely rejected it and never made it to that dealership again.
Black: A Color with Many Cons
Black cars absorb more heat from the sun. Black is a color known for its darkness and heat absorption. This makes black cars more difficult to cool down, especially in sunny regions. To compensate for the increased heat, black cars often require special cabin cooling systems.
Moreover, black cars have a unique challenge when it comes to visibility, especially in poor weather conditions or at night. They are harder to see, and when you do see them, they stand out more because of the minute particles of dust they accumulate more easily than other colors.
For these reasons, I decided to put black off my list for good.
Flesh: A Color I’ve Only Seen A Few Times
The "Flesh" color is an interesting one. Interestingly, I have only come across two cars painted in this hue. The other colors that are commonly seen are red and electric blue, which are more conventional.
This color is rare mainly because it is not as popular or easily replicated as other shades. While it doesn't have any specific downsides, the novelty of its rarity and the difficulty in finding other cars of the same color to match make it a less appealing option for me.
White: A Color with Subtle Dislikes
White might be the most popular car color, but it isn't perfect for everyone. I simply don't gravitate towards white. However, I also don't dislike other colors like light blue metallic or that silver-blue/ice blue shade, it's just that I don't find them appealing.
In addition to color preferences, there's the issue of matching repairs. This color is notoriously difficult to match, which can be a real hassle when the paint wears off over time and needs to be repainted.
Plain High Gloss Black: A Reflective Misery
While I used to love plain high-gloss black, owning a car in this shade requires a lot of maintenance. When I changed my third car from white to black, I learned that keeping it clean and scratch-free is a daunting task. The smallest scratch can be easily recognized in this type of paint, making it less appealing as an option for me.
Additionally, the clear coat used on modern vehicles to protect the paint is less durable with silver colors. In hot sunny areas, this clear coat tends to degrade faster, leading to more frequent touch-ups and maintenance.
A Personal Story: Red and My Ex-Girlfriend
Interestingly, my ex-girlfriend had a strong aversion to red cars. She even went as far as not wanting to ride in a red vehicle. According to her, she had been involved in a minor accident involving a red car as a child. While the accident was not serious, the experience made her avoid owning or even riding in red cars. This story highlights how personal experiences can have a significant impact on our color preferences.
Considering all these factors, it's clear that our car color preferences can be influenced by a myriad of personal and practical reasons. Whether it's the heat absorption of black, the rarity of certain colors, or the maintenance required for specific colors, there are valid reasons to consider—or avoid—certain car colors.