Ever wondered what your car colour says about you? In a world where first impressions can hinge on the subtlest of cues, the hue of your vehicle might be broadcasting more about your personality than you think.
From the sleek and commanding presence of a black sedan to the cheerful vibe of a yellow hatchback, car colours speak volumes. But what colour has captured the UK's heart in 2024, marking its territory as the nation's favourite?
At Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we have plunged into the vibrant world of automotive paints and conducted a detailed analysis. By examining Google searches over the last 12 months, we’ve uncovered a surprising shift in the UK's colour preferences and a notable change from past trends.
Vibrant and energetic, it’s no surprise that red is top of the list at 43k searches a month. It’s a favourite among young drivers seeking a flashy and dynamic appearance. Red is adept at concealing mud, making it a practical choice for maintaining a cleaner look. Yet, dirt and grime can dull the car's shine, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain its vibrant appearance.
Bright and cheerful, yellow is second with 34k searches a month, standing out in any parking lot, offering a unique and optimistic vibe. Excellent at hiding dust and pollen, it makes a low-maintenance choice for the allergy-prone or those living in dusty areas. Mud splashes are more conspicuous, however, especially in wet conditions, requiring prompt cleaning to avoid stains.
With 32k searches a month, blue remains a popular choice for its calm and serene presentation, offering a universally pleasing aesthetic. Blue cars are favoured for their timeless appeal but can be challenging to keep clean. Water spots, scratches, and swirl marks show up more readily, demanding diligent care and frequent detailing.
Clean and modern, white cars offer a fresh and upscale appearance that's always in style, getting 28k searches a month. While white hides swirl marks well and maintains a newer look for longer, making it appealing for those seeking a low-maintenance option, mud and splashes are highly visible, necessitating regular washes to keep pristine.
With 26k searches a month, black is the epitome of elegance, offering a stunning look immediately after washing. When clean, black cars are unparalleled in their aesthetic appeal, making a strong impression. Pollen, dirt, and dust are quickly visible, however, making black one of the most high-maintenance colours in terms of cleaning.
Natural and soothing, green cars blend well with outdoor environments, offering a unique but understated look. At 18k searches a month, green hides dirt relatively well, allowing for a cleaner appearance over longer periods. Imperfections like scratches or dents can be more noticeable, however, requiring careful maintenance to preserve its appearance.
At 10k searches a month, orange cars stand out with a sense of fun and adventure. Surprisingly easy to clean, orange is a practical choice for those looking to make a statement without the high maintenance. Its brightness might limit appeal to a narrower audience, however, potentially affecting resale value.
Surprisingly, silver cars are no longer as popular as you might think! With 5k searches a month, silver cars have a timeless quality with a futuristic edge. Silver is excellent at hiding dirt and dust, offering a consistently clean appearance with minimal effort. Its popularity has waned, possibly due to an oversaturation in the market, making it less unique on the road.
“Although black, white, and silver typically lead in popularity, red and blue are on the rise. Yet, with shifting trends, choosing a timeless colour like black, white, or silver might be wiser for resale value.”
Choosing a car colour is more than just a matter of personal taste; it's a decision that can influence everything from your vehicle's resale value to how often you'll need to wash it. As our research shows, popular colours like red and blue offer a blend of eye-catching appeal and practical advantages, making them increasingly preferred choices among UK drivers.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on car colours with us — we'd love to hear what colour you're drawn to and why!
