Do Black Cars Really Get Much Hotter in Summer?
2 Answers
Black inherently absorbs more heat than white or other light colors, so when exposed to the sun in summer, black cars will definitely get hotter than light-colored ones. Below are the pros and cons of black cars: 1. Pros: The biggest feature of black cars is their appearance. Due to the polishing effect of metallic paint, the car looks very impressive overall. Many business vehicles choose black, which is also its greatest advantage. 2. Cons: Black cars are less noticeable in dimly lit areas, making them more prone to accidents. This issue is particularly evident on highways, as there are no active streetlights. When vehicles pass each other, headlights need to be adjusted, which dims visibility, making black cars even less noticeable.
Last time at the dealership, the senior mechanic made a practical point: black car paint is like wearing a black T-shirt in the sun—it absorbs 20-30% more heat than white cars. At noon, using an infrared thermometer, after parking in the open for two hours, the dashboard temperature of a black car can soar to 70°C, while a white car only reaches just over 50°C. But there's a way around it—I've seen many black car owners apply top-tier heat-insulating films, using a 70% light-transmitting metal film for the windshield and adding a reflective sunshade on the roof, so the seats won’t burn your butt when you get in. If the budget allows, installing a remote air conditioning start is the most fundamental solution—just tap your phone, and the car will be cool by the time you get in.
