A 2011 study by the Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division found that light-coloured cars reflect less heat.
It's common knowledge that dark colours absorb heat while light colours reflect it. I know this sounds like hippie nonsense, but a 2011 study by the Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division found that light-coloured cars reflect less heat.
Black, white, red, and other coloured cars react differently as they reflect light differently too. This thermodynamic principle holds true for all colours. When you wear a black shirt during the summer, you'll feel the heat much more than you would if you wear a light-coloured shirt. The same theory can be applied to cars because the body of a car is made of metal - which is an excellent conductor of heat - it will emit more heat than fabrics or other materials. The heat conductive nature of the colour means that heat is distributed faster in a dark car than any other colour. Light coloured cars also distribute heat, but at a slower rate.
Protecting your car from heat during the summer
Keep your car covered with a light-coloured covering. This will protect it from the heat and keep your paint shiny for long.
Getting a window tint is a good way to keep the heat out of your interior. A tinted window will look great on your dark-coloured car and help filter out the sun-rays.
This is a less permanent option and just as effective as a window tint. It will keep out the sun-rays, and when the weather is cooler you can just leave it in your garage to use when needed.
You can also leave your windows cracked to let in some air. Be cautious with this tip, you want to leave a slight crack, enough to let in some air - but not a gaping crack that will be a security problem for your car and possessions.
Cover your seats with a light-coloured sheet or blanket. This is especially important if you have leather or vinyl seats. Getting into a car with scorching seats and wheel can be a nightmare, so covering up your seats is the best solution to this problem.
These tips are not just applicable for dark cars. Light coloured cars also emit heat during the summer and will also benefit from these tips. For more information, feel free to contact us.
