November 02, 2011

Light-Colored Cars Get Better Mileage

That is, if you are running the air conditioner.

I never understood why anyone in the sunny Southwest would buy a black car or truck, but some do. They're looking cool while being hot—and not in a good way.

3 comments:

Darrell said...

Oh, it's the same as the recent arguments for white roofs on houses. I don't buy it--dark/black absorbs better than light/white, but it also radiates better. On balance, I'd say there's zero advantage.

Chas S. Clifton said...

I think you are leaving out the human need to cool down without waiting for the black car to radiate on its own.

Anonymous said...

Recent radio broadcast. (I don't remember by who)
white is the most produced color of automotive paint. According to automotive paint manufacturers.