Dark Colored Cars in Arizona?

Question

Im moving to Arizona soon, and im looking into buying a truck before i go, But i heard that in Arizona and desert places like it, Dark Colored cars and trucks are bad, they will fade and hot hott, is this true??

Answer 1

i've lived in az now for 15+ years and yes dark colored cars can fade over time...

but it depends on how long you plan on having the truck.my grandpa had a maroon colored truck that he bought brand new 8 years ago and just traded it in for a new one and the paint on it was still flawless-he always kept it parked out on his driveway in the sun too.

i think it really depends more on how well you treat the vehicle-washing it regularly and parking in the shade whenever you can. keep in mind that our summers here can reach temperatures of up to 120-it was 118 two days ago and dark colored cars will absorb heat-making the inside of your vehicle unbearable to get into.

my current car is white with tan leather interior and even with a sun shade in my front window to keep the sun out-my car still gets pretty hot-just a thought....

Answer 2

I sold cars out here for two years. I am also originally from CT. Light or Dark, once it is over 100 deg outside the car will be hot. Darker colors, obviously absorb more heat and will be hotter to the touch. In fact a car in the summer can burn you, and leather seating can be torcher. It is very Important that you get your windows tinted, if they are not already. I know very few cars in CT have tinted windows, but it is a MUST out here. They even make tint that blocks heat 98% but it legal in darkness, it cost more but is way worth it ( it is called Huber-Optic tint..I know I mis splat that) Also it is a HUGE plus if your car has rear AC for your passengers, because it takes a lot longer for the car to cool down than in CT. Another important thing is to make sure you get a garage or car port where ever you go.

Now as for fading,it's not a big problem for NEWER cars really, especially since the cars paint is coated from the factory with a paint protector that help prevent rust and sun damage. The one color that does seem to fade is actually Silver, I would be more concerned about the interior and dash fading. So invest in window tint, treat your dash board protectent, and use a sun screen when you can't park in covered parking. Best of Luck with the move!

Answer 3

I have a white truck and it still gets blazing hot inside when parked in the sun. Yes, paint will fade, even light colored paints will fade over the years. (I have the luxury to park in a garage most of the time.) The absolute best advice is to avoid leather or faux leather (naugohide?) car seats...or get cloth seat covers. Many people also use cardboard sunshades in the windshield...to shade the steering wheel and dashboard. Cracked dashboards from the heat are also very common...and the steering wheel can get too hot to hold onto when parked in the sun.

Ah, the joys of desert living.

Answer 4

Why would u want to move to Arizona!!!?? Im here in AZ from Melbourne Australia for another 8 months and i hate it. The weather SUX big time and yeah from what ive seen dark colored cars here will definatley fade and have a great chance on overheating. I went and bought a white car to use here thinking that might be wise. Sure its wise for heat purposes, but damn does it get dirty out here. Anywayz all the best and i hope u bring sum sunblock with u

Answer 5

years ago, in junior high school, I did a science experiment on this for a science project. I used a meat thermometer and took the temp of cars parked in the same lot of a local mall on a warm May day. The white cars were about 20 degrees cooler on the outside. Trust me, they are cooler on the inside, too. Go white, off-white, or a light grey. You'll be glad you did. Also, a light-colored interior and a good window shade.

Answer 6

Arizona can be like living on the sun. I wouldn't ever own a dark colored car there. Anything you leave in it will melt.

Answer 7

it isnt going to matter what color the car is. because it is going to be extremely hot either way. the only thing that matters is that the car runs well. and has a very good air conditioner. because you'll need another car if your a/c doesnt work. and you dont want to get stranded

Answer 8

Yes. The colour [or lack of colour] black absorbs heat making anything that is darkly coloured much hotter if left in the sun etc.
As for fading paint, it depends on the quality of the paint.

Answer 9

Not sure if the color matters..but my sister has a white pick up and her husband town car is beige.

Answer 10

i don't think so...i have a black vehicle and the color hasn't changed at all and as far as heat is concerned, it is hotter to the touch on the outside but not so much on the interior.