ARE WHITE CARS REALLY COOLER IN ARIZONA'S EXTREME HEAT? WHAT TO KNOW
When it comes to keeping a vehicle cool during the scorching Arizona summer, color choice can indeed make a difference. White and light-colored cars tend to be a touch cooler than darker-colored ones.
This is due to the science of light absorption, also known as albedo. This principle says that lighter colors reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to darker colors, which absorb more light and, consequently, more heat. Therefore, white or light-colored cars can be a little bit cooler inside than their darker counterparts under the intense sun.
Here is the science behind why white cars really are cooler than dark cars.
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Do white cars really stay cooler?
Yes. White cars tend to stay cooler than dark cars because white paint reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat.
“Albedo is a measure of surface reflectivity. So that's a fancy way of saying how much of the sunlight is going to be absorbed by that surface, by that material, and it's based on that color,” said Erinanne Saffell, Arizona State Climatologist.
“Lighter colored materials, like your white car, are more reflective of the sunlight. The sunlight comes down and hits the white car, and it's going to bounce off a little bit more than if it hits the dark-colored car.”
What are the disadvantages of a white car?
Saffell said the reflective nature of white paint can cause glare, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for both the driver and other motorists.
What car color gets the least hot?
Besides white, other light colors reduce heat absorption. Here are some light-reflecting paint colors:
- Silver.
- Light gray.
- Beige and light tan.
- Pastel colors such as light blue, light green and pale yellow.
Do windshield sunshades keep cars cooler?
Yes. Windshield sun protectors reduce heat and protect your car's interior.
“UV rays are what actually heats up the car, so when you use those sunshades, it keeps the UV out and keeps the vehicle cooler," said Montgomery Miller, market director at Sun Auto Tire and Service in Phoenix.
Getting your windows tinted can help reduce the temperature inside your car by up to 30%, Miller said.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Are white cars really cooler in Arizona's extreme heat? What to know
2024-08-28T13:16:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd