When choosing a color for a new car, dark blue is a popular option to consider. Dark blue evokes a sense of sophistication and style. However, there are some important factors to weigh when deciding if dark blue is the right choice for your new vehicle. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of choosing dark blue car paint so you can make an informed decision.
The Pros of a Dark Blue Car
Here are some of the benefits that come with choosing a dark blue exterior car color:
Sophisticated Styling
One of the main appeals of a dark blue car is the elegant, sophisticated look it provides. Dark blue is a rich, intense shade that stands out on the road. It’s eye-catching but not overly flashy. The dark hue gives off an aura of luxury and class. This makes a dark blue car a great choice if you want your vehicle to have an upscale vibe.
Versatile and Timeless
Another advantage of dark blue is its versatile, timeless nature. Unlike trendy neon colors that can look dated after a few years, dark blue is a classic shade that retains its stylishness year after year. It complements both modern and vintage car designs. This versatile hue also pairs nicely with many other car colors when choosing accent details like rims or stripes. Dark blue never really goes out of fashion.
Hides Dirt Well
Compared to lighter car colors, dark blue does a better job of hiding dirt and grime. The dark shade doesn’t show minor scratches and swirl marks as easily as white or silver paint would. While regular washing is still needed, a dark blue car can maintain its new look longer between washes. This makes the color a practical choice for family cars and outdoor enthusiasts who go off-road.
The Cons of a Dark Blue Car
However, there are also some downsides to consider with a dark blue car exterior:
Shows Imperfections in Direct Sunlight
Under the harsh light of direct sunlight, a dark blue finish can reveal minor paint flaws. Swirl marks, overspray, and uneven panel alignment become more visible. Lighter colors tend to hide these imperfections better in bright light. Keeping a dark blue car looking pristine requires frequent waxing and professional paint correction.
Gets Hot in the Sun
With its deep, dark shade, a blue car can get extremely hot sitting in direct sunlight during summer. The dark paint absorbs and retains heat more than light colors like white or silver that reflect sunlight. This can make the interior hot and uncomfortable when first entering the car. The excess heat can also put more strain on the AC system.
More Susceptible to Scratching
While a dark color hides dirt better, it conversely shows scratches and swirls more clearly once the paint gets damaged. Light scratches and scuffs stand out vividly against the dark blue. Repairing scratches requires more attention to match the blue hue compared to a lighter color. Careful washing and waxing is needed to avoid swirls.
Higher Maintenance
Overall, keeping a dark blue car looking its best requires more maintenance than lighter exterior colors. More frequent washing and waxing is needed to counteract the way dirt and imperfections show on the paint. Touching up stone chips, scratches, and other flaws is also more noticeable and challenging to match.
How Does Dark Blue Impact Resale Value?
When it comes time to sell your car, exterior color can impact potential resale value. According to Kelley Blue Book, mainstream colors like black, gray, silver, blue, and white tend to have better resale value than bold colors like orange or green. However, very common colors like white and silver may have slightly lower value as supply is higher when selling. So while a dark blue car won’t typically have the highest resale value, it holds appeal for more buyers than a specialty color would. Condition and mileage play larger roles in determining resale value than color. Keeping any car well maintained will maximize resale appeal.
Safety Considerations with a Dark Blue Car
Vehicle color can also impact safety and visibility. Here are some things to keep in mind with a dark blue car:
- Low visibility in low light – In fog, rain, and at dawn/dusk, a dark vehicle can be harder for other drivers to see.
- Increased nighttime glare – Bright headlights reflecting off a dark blue car at night can cause more glare for oncoming drivers.
- Overheating risk if parked in sun – If parked in full sun, dark interiors get very hot, raising risks for children and pets left inside.
- Higher exterior temperature – The exterior surface gets hotter in sunlight, potentially uncomfortable to touch when entering the vehicle.
These visibility and heat considerations are especially important in areas with hot, sunny weather. Adding reflective strips or tape can help make a dark vehicle more visible.
How Does Dark Blue Impact Insurance Rates?
In general, your car’s exterior color does not directly impact insurance rates. Insurance companies don’t ask for paint color when calculating a policy quote. Rates are primarily based on factors like a driver’s age, location, driving history, vehicle make, model, and trim level.
However, some colors may indirectly impact premiums if statistics show they are linked to higher claim rates. As an example, red cars may have slightly higher insurance costs in some cases, potentially due to red cars being pulled over more for speeding. But in most cases, factors like driving record and demographics play a much larger role in determining insurance rates. Dark blue is a fairly neutral color not typically associated with higher risk.
Popular Dark Blue Car Color Options
If you decide a dark blue car is the right choice, here are some stylish dark blue color options from today’s top car brands:
| Brand | Color Name | Color Code |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Midnight Blue Metallic | 8W7 |
| Honda | Modern Steel Metallic | NH-843M |
| Ford | Blue Jeans Metallic | J7 |
| Nissan | Midnight Pine | GB0 |
| Hyundai | Iron Gray | NKA |
These deep blue and gray-blue metallic colors offer style while maintaining a professional, sophisticated look. They are versatile options that will retain their timeless appeal.
Should You Choose Dark Blue for Your Next Car?
So should you choose dark blue when it comes time to buy a new car? Here are some final pros and cons to help decide:
Pros:
- Sophisticated, upscale styling
- Versatile and timeless color
- Hides dirt between washes
Cons:
- Shows imperfections in sunlight
- Gets hot in direct sun
- More visible scratches
- Requires frequent waxing and paint correction
For many car buyers, the stylish appearance of a darker blue exterior is worth the extra maintenance required. While lighter colors hide flaws better, the deep blue shade provides an attractive, classy look that never goes out of style. It’s ultimately a personal choice based on your priorities and lifestyle. Taking proper care of any exterior color by regular washing, waxing, and prompt repairs will keep your car looking its best for years to come.
Conclusion
Darker blue car paint has its pros and cons to weigh, but overall it is a classic, versatile choice to give your vehicle sophistication and style. Focus on finding a rich blue hue from a reputable brand that fits your personal taste. With proper maintenance, a dark blue exterior will retain a timeless aesthetic appeal through the years. If you want your car to stand out with an upscale yet understated elegance, dark blue is likely an excellent color choice.
