The color of your car can make a massive difference to your comfort in cold weather.
What color car is the best for cold weather?
The best color car for cold weather is a black car. Black and other dark-colored vehicles absorb the most sunlight, which can help to keep the interior of your car warm on chilly days. Black cars are also highly visible on winter days. Black cars are often easier to clean during winter.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what color car is best for cold weather.
What Color Car Is Best for Cold Weather? (Detailed Answer)
The best color car for cold weather is a black car—and there are several good reasons why.
By the way, these reasons also apply to other dark-colored cars:
- Brown cars
- Blue cars
- Green cars
- Red cars
Here are four reasons why black cars are best for winter weather.
Black Cars Absorb Heat Faster
Have you ever wondered why black cars always seem to be so much hotter than other cars? It’s not just your imagination—black cars really do absorb more heat than other cars.
Black cars absorb more light than other car colors.
This is because black is a darker color, so it absorbs more of the visible light that hits it. This absorbed light is then converted into heat, which makes the car warmer.
Additionally, black cars have lower reflectivity than other car colors.
This means that they reflect less of the sunlight that hits them, and instead absorb more of the sun’s energy.
This dual feature—absorbs more energy and reflects less energy—is what makes black cars so much hotter in cold weather.
Here is a good video that demonstrates how black cars are hotter:
Black Cars Are Easier To See in Winter
Winter weather can be treacherous, and one of the best ways to stay safe on the roads is to choose a car that will be easy for other drivers to see.
That’s why many people opt for a black car in the winter months.
Black is a high-contrast color that stands out against the snow, ice, and slush. As a result, it’s much easier for other drivers to spot a black car on the road, even in difficult weather conditions.
That’s why black cars are less likely to be involved in accidents.
Black Cars Are Easier To Clean
Black cars are often said to be the easiest color to keep clean—especially in cold weather.
One of the main benefits of black cars is that they don’t show dirt as easily as lighter colors. This is because grime and black ice blend in with the dark paint, making it difficult to spot small amounts of dirt.
In addition, black cars also benefit from the fact that snow is less likely to stick to their dark surfaces (because of the absorbed heat).
As a result, there is less to clean in cold weather than their lighter counterparts.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance car color, black may be the perfect choice for you.
Black Cars Defrost Faster
Shivering in a cold car and waiting for the windows to defrost is not fun.
Another reason black cars are better in cold weather is that they defrost faster. The dark color of the exterior absorbs more heat and therefore melts ice and snow more quickly.
A faster defrost means:
- Starting and using your car faster
- Less time sitting in a cold car
- More visibility while driving (from less ice and snow sticking to the car)
Black or White Colored Cars: Which Is Better in Cold Weather?
When it comes to driving in cold weather, some people swear by black cars while others prefer white.
So, what’s the best color car for cold weather?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option to help you decide. Black cars absorb more heat from the sun, which can be helpful on frigid mornings.
However, they also tend to show more road salt and grime, making them more difficult to keep clean in winter.
White cars reflect heat away from the vehicle, helping to keep it cooler in summer.
But they can be more difficult to see in snow and ice.
Therefore, the best color car for cold weather is a black car for warmth and visibility. Ultimately, the best color car for cold weather is the one that you feel most comfortable driving.
What Car Color Is Best for Snow?
The best car color for snow is a black car.
As we’ve discussed, black cars rapidly get warm, stand out better in bad weather, defrost fast, and are easier to clean.
Black cars are better in any amount of snow:
- Light snow
- Medium snow
- Heavy snow
- Rain and sleet
If you don’t want a black car, you can also go with another darker shade like brown or dark blue.
Basically, you want to avoid lighter colors such as white and gray. These colors reflect light, energy, and heat. They also virtually disappear in the whiteness of winter.
Is a White Car Safe in the Snow?
A white car is not the safest car in the snow.
There are actually several reasons why.
First of all, white cars blend in with the snow, making it more difficult for other drivers to see them. This can be especially dangerous if you get into an accident or become stranded on the side of the road.
Secondly, white cars tend to get dirty very quickly in the snow.
The dirt and grime from the road can quickly build up on the paint, making it difficult to see out of the windows.
Finally, white cars get warm slower than darker-colored cars.
The bottom line is that white cars can be safe if you are a safe driver. However, you work harder to drive safely with a white car in winter.
Other Criteria To Use When Buying a Car for Cold Weather
Color isn’t the only thing you should think about when choosing a car for cold weather.
Here is a list of criteria I recommend:
- Winterized windshield washer system
- Heated side mirrors
- Hands-free calling and texting capability
- Remote start
- Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Weight distribution
- Anti-lock brakes
- Ground clearance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning system
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Blind spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- LED headlights and taillights
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Second-row heated seats
- Snow Tires
These are a few of the many factors to consider when purchasing a car for winter driving.
In addition to all-wheel drive, which is essential for traction on snow and ice, heated seats can make a long winter commute much more bearable. Snow tires are also a must, as they provide significantly more grip than regular tires.
Remote start is another great feature for cold weather, as it allows you to warm up the car while you wait in the comfort of your house.
Fog lights can be vital for safe driving in low visibility conditions, while sufficient ground clearance is important for navigating through deep snow.
Weight distribution and stability control are both important factors in maintaining control on slippery roads, so be sure to test-drive any potential winter car in a variety of conditions before making a purchase.
Best Color Cars for Cold Weather
If you’re in the market for a car, here are some of the best black cars for winter driving.
| Best Black Cars for Cold Weather | Learn More |
|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent | Learn more |
| BMW 3 Series xDrive | Learn more |
| Volvo XC40 | Learn more |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Learn more |
Final Thoughts: What Color Car Is Best for Cold Weather?
The best car for cold weather is going to take a lot of variables into consideration.
Unless you are driving 100% in cold weather (in that case, I’m so sorry for you), it’s best to think about an all-weather vehicle.
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