Are Red Cars More Problematic? 6 Issues Owners Face

Did you know that a 2013 report showed that people with an affinity for red vehicles have higher testosterone levels and aggressive behavior while driving than those in other colored vehicles?

While this is not clear proof that they are more likely to crash because of road rage, it does show that they tend towards aggressive driving.

In this article, we plan to discuss whether red cars are more problematic or if, in fact, these assumptions are myths.

Are Red Cars More Problematic?

There is no doubt that red cars are fascinating and attractive. It is a more interesting color with a bold outlook on the road.

People are more likely to spot a red vehicle in a car park than in other colors. However, there are some major issues that come with having a red-colored car. They include:

1. Higher Accident Risks

Studies have shown that red cars have a 7% higher risk of getting into an accident than other colors. While the risk is not up to that of the black, silver or gray color, red cars are still a bit prone to accidents.

This majorly happens because of many red backgrounds on the road like traffic lights, brake lights, road signs and sirens. These elements already have a red setting and this can distract other road users and make it difficult to differentiate a red car from the background. 

The red car is a clear exception to the rule claiming that “brighter and visible colors are less prone to getting into an accident”.

2. Faster Paint Degradation

The red color faints and fades more quickly than other colors. This is because the wavelength associated with the red color is at the lowest energy.

To appear as red, it has to absorb more wavelength, and this causes a significant fade in the color. So, if you purchase a red car, have it at the back of your mind that the color will not remain the same in the long run except you take preventive steps to avoid it from fading.  

A good step to keep your car from fading is to get a coating that shields the body of the car away from direct sunlight. The best thing is to get an additive paint called the UV absorber that absorbs the UV rays. 

Another good step is to always keep the body of the car clean. Accumulated dirt weakens the surface of the car because it might contain acidic elements. This allows the radiation to wreak havoc on your paint. Leaving the dirt for weeks might be a bad idea.

Lastly, park in the shade. It doesn’t matter how short your errand is or if you just want to grab something nearby. Those extra minutes under the direct sun have a negative impact on your car’s paint.

Studies have shown that there’s a 30-degree difference in temperature when a car has a shade above or around it. Getting into a very hot car can also put a strain on your air conditioning.

3. Lower Average Resale Value

Research has also pointed out that red cars have a lower resale value than black, silver and gray cars. However, it depends on the shade of red.

For instance, red metallic paint is a desirable choice by car owners, which leads to higher demand in the market compared to flat solid red cars.

The Mazda flagship color comes in red metallic paint and the car has a higher purchasing price and higher resale value compared to black or white cars.

Also, the type of car plays a big role when it comes to resale value. Hatchbacks and sports cars depreciate less in red than SUVs painted in other colors. This gives a red sport car owner higher leverage in the market.

4. Stains Are Noticeable 

While the stains are not as obvious as in white cars, they are not so good in red.

Mud platters and dust are highlighted on red paint, even more than a black one. If you intend to keep your red car in a presentable way, we advise you to adopt a weekly washing and maintenance routine.

5. Can Get Hot

Red cars can also be literal ovens when it comes to heat. Red paint is a relatively dark color.

Although not as serious and hot as black cars, but red cars are poor emitters of heat and can absorb heat more quickly than white and gray cars.

It gets even more challenging when it is time to wash, especially when the sun is out. The water dries up more quickly and would likely leave water marks behind.

While watermarks may not be a big issue but over time they can cause etching, which means they will affect and eat into the car’s paint.

6. Swirl Marks Are More Obvious 

Swirl marks are evident on a red surface. The black color is the biggest culprit for showing swirl marks, but the red color is also not forgiving when it comes to hiding swirl marks.

There are two types of swirl marks. The first is called the base coat scratch. This kind of scratch is visible in all colors of cars. It has a white or gray appearance and the scratches are usually caused by abrasion. 

The second is known as a clear coat scratch and they are mostly seen under direct sunlight. This scratch happens most times during washing. Perhaps, with the hard sponges and brushes used in the cleaning process. 

Both types of swirl marks are more evident on a red car than in lighter colors.

Related: Why Do Black Cars Have More Problems? (Explained)

Major Misconceptions About Red Cars

Red cars in themselves are not so bad, but the majority have judged the color so wrongly and have put up myths about them.

Below are the major misconceptions concerning red cars and how wrong they are:

Red Cars Pulled Over Than Other Cars

This is the most common fallacy concerning red cars. Sports cars often come in the red color and this sometimes leads to the wrong conclusion that they are always at a higher speed than other cars.

However, there is no statistical evidence that shows that law enforcement ticket red cars more than other vehicles. Most people believe the police officer will notice a red-colored car first, but they will notice the high speed of the car before they look at the color.

All colors have equal chances of being pulled over when committing driving misdemeanors. The color of the car is quite irrelevant.

Red Cars Cost More to Insurance 

Red cars do not cost more to insure. There is hardly any insurance company that focuses majorly on the color of the car. 

They are more likely to consider the year the car was produced, the make, the model, body type, kind of engine, mileage and age of the vehicle.

Insurance companies also consider the accident rate of the car and how much the repair will cost. They also assess how easy it is to repair and if the replaced parts are easy to find. Thus, driving a red car probably won’t affect your insurance rates.

Related: Problems With Buying High Mileage Cars (5 Common Issues)

Higher Risk Of Being Stolen

Red cars actually deter thieves from breaking into them. This is majorly because of the average resale value of the car. Robbers will likely rob a car that has a good return on investment, like blue, black, silver or white.

A Netherlands study also claimed that mainstream-colored vehicles are more likely to be stolen. The misconception that red cars are not safe is due to the belief that they are more attractive and eye-catching.

This is ridiculous because no thief wants to call attractions, so they would rather go for subtle colors. However, this does not ultimately keep a red car from being stolen, as all cars can be broken into.

Related: 5 Popular Cars With The Least Problems (Ranked 1-5) 

Road Rage Is More Common in Red Cars and Would Likely Crash

 Although psychology says that colors can influence our mood and behavior, it is not certain that there’s a linkage between colors and safety.

It is the western belief that the red color represents passion or dominance. Thus, this belief led to the wrong assumptions that red cars encourage more road rage and aggression while driving and so they are very likely to be involved in a crash.

On the contrary, black cars have the highest accident rate both in the daytime and at night, according to research.

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