Have you ever wondered why the colour of a car matters? In South Africa, colour is one of the first choices buyers make when shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle. Buyers will be unsure whether they want a coupe, SUV, or bakkie, but no matter the choice, it must be red. Or silver. Or Black.
Little do local buyers know, your vehicle’s colour influences safety, resale value, insurance and maintenance costs! Let’s take a closer look at why vehicle colour matters in South Africa.
Car colour and Safety
Vehicle colour plays a subtle but significant role in road safety. Especially in a country like South Africa, where our bright sun, dusty roads, seasonal storms, and frequent load shedding consistently compromise visibility.
A lot of research has been done into motor safety. A 2023 study found that while driver attention, road conditions and substance use are leading factors in accident risk, the colour of a vehicle does play a key role in motor safety.
The easiest car colours to see are…
- Red
- Silver
- White
As Chauca et al. explain in their literature review, the human eye is designed to identify brighter colours first. Research suggests that drivers perceive lighter colours 200 metres before they perceive dark colours!
This means that light colours are scientifically the safest car colour. This is a major advantage on busy highways like the N1, or on dimly lit suburban streets in Alberton.
Which car colour has the highest accident rate?
Black vehicles.
With such low light reflection, it is physically more difficult to see black cars, even in daylight.
Do you have a black car you’re ready to sell?
Car Colour and Resale Value
Some shades are trendy, others are timeless. The shade of your car will ultimately influence the demand for it.
In South Africa, what is considered the best car colour varies by region, climate, and lifestyle. People in Boksburg may prefer something different from those in Polokwane.
If you want to buy a car with a high resale value, call the car dealer near you for professional advice on local colour trends.
Insurance and Vehicle Colour
The CEO of Discovery Insurance, has clarified the relationship between car colour and insurance premiums. There is no direct relationship between the two!
Insurers analyse history, not colour
Since black cars are statistically more involved in accidents due to lower visibility, these vehicles can sometimes show higher claim histories.
This may indirectly influence premiums, but the colour itself is not rising your monthly payment.
How Car Colour Influences Maintenance
Different colours come with different long-term upkeep demands, and colour can impact your maintenance routine more than you think.
Vehicle Cleanliness
Black and dark blue Cars
Cars with black and dark tones are prone to showing dust and fingerprints because they are high-contrast shades. Watermarks are also more likely to show with darker cars.
Silver and grey vehicles
With this neutral shade, dust, scratches and other minor imperfections are hidden well! Mud, however, will show very clearly on these vehicles.
White Cars
This may be one of the safest vehicle colours, but white vehicles are predisposed to looking dirty! Any dark spec will stand out on this bright canvas.
Not to mention, they are prone to yellowing if left in the sun for prolonged periods. However, white is the best colour for a vehicle in a hot climate. With white cars, you increase safety and decrease the heat!
Red Vehicles
Dark reds are more prone to showing scratches and grime than brighter shades of red. Either way, red vehicles are susceptible to oxidation if left in the sun for too long. This means your paint will fade if not cared for properly.
Each colour has pros and cons, but with regular washing and proper protection can extend your paint’s lifespan, especially in high-sun areas like Gauteng.
Car Colour and Repairs
Your car’s colour may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Yet, in South Africa’s climate and driving conditions, it plays a big role in long-term upkeep costs.
Paint Durability and Sun Exposure
South Africa’s UV levels are among the highest in the world, which means paint fade and oxidation can occur more frequently and faster if your vehicle’s colour isn’t UV-resistant:
- Darker colours fade quicker and show sun damage more clearly.
- Lighter colours handle UV exposure better, staying vibrant for longer.
This affects how often you may need polishing, detailing, or professional paint correction.
Cost of Paint Touch-ups
If you frequently park outdoors, commute long distances, or travel on rural roads, choosing a low-maintenance colour can save you thousands of rand over your vehicle’s lifespan.
Ease of Colour Matching
If a panel needs to be resprayed, colour matching becomes especially important. Popular colours are generally easier to match because their paint formulas are widely available. This lets body shops to blend the new paint seamlessly with the rest of your vehicle.
Rare colours, on the other hand, often take longer to match accurately and may require more specialist work. This increases repair time and costs, and in some cases, the new paint does not blend perfectly with the original finish, reducing the car’s resale value.
What are the most popular car colours in SA?
- White
- Silver
- Grey
- Black
So in conclusion...
While many South Africans choose their car colour based purely on personal style, the reality is that vehicle colour influences visibility, safety, resale value, maintenance costs, and even insurance.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle, consider how your colour choice will perform on SA roads. Choosing the right shade can save you money, improve safety, and boost resale value in the future.
Ready to buy a pre-loved car? To find the vehicle in your dream colour…
