When considering the purchase of a car there are a series of aspects to take into account, from the price and performance to the engine. The range of possibilities offered by manufacturers is wide and diverse, which makes the choice a task full of considerations. But among all these decisions, there is often one that reflects the buyer’s personality in a surprising way: the color of the car.
Although it may seem like a superficial detail, the choice of vehicle color can have a significant impact on how others perceive us and how we feel about driving it. “The color red is associated with the idea of ??speed; white, calm,” says Nuria Casanovas, expert in the use of colors in therapy and vice president of the Social Intervention Board of the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia.
The psychologist explains that colors have the power to awaken energies of different types, and that each of them emits brain waves whose speed influences our preference for certain colors. This preference may be related to the search for a specific intention with the object, which leads us to be attracted to certain colors over others. “Red cars are associated with the energy of red, which represents passion and dynamism. This color choice usually corresponds to people who are passionate about cars, who love speed and who want to stand out from the rest. “Perhaps they choose this color because they perceive that, on a cerebral level, it gives them a feeling of vitality and emotion.”
Color preferences when choosing a car may vary depending on the sex of the buyer. According to color psychology studies, it has been observed that, in general, men tend to prefer more striking and vibrant colors, such as red, blue or black, which reflect their taste for power and sportiness. On the other hand, women tend to lean towards softer and more delicate tones, such as white, silver and beige, associated with elegance and sophistication. However, this trend is being lost due to the homogenization of the color palette offered by manufacturers. “Grays and whites are becoming standardized, there is not so much to choose from,” says Nuria Casanovas.
“Young people usually show a preference for blue and black colors when choosing a car. The color black, in particular, is associated with elegance, but also with the search for identity. It is perceived as a personal choice of people in a process of self-discovery, exploring who they are and what they want in life,” adds the expert in the use of colors.
Even considering that the color options offered by manufacturers are more limited than in previous decades, vehicles in such striking shades as yellow, orange or lime green are rarely found on the roads. “Sometimes buyers opt for standard colors to avoid the extra cost associated with more extravagant shades. This is something that many consider when making a decision. But there is also a psychological aspect involved. Some people fear that they will soon tire of a loud color for their car and, therefore, that it will not be worth it for something they plan to keep for 5 or 10 years. A striking color can be tiring. “This perception may also be related to our brain’s occasional need for color stability, which can evolve over time.”
Along these lines, Casanovas points out that the choice of color of an object, such as a car, can have a significant impact on our perception and emotional well-being. For example, if we are in a period of joy and vitality, the color yellow may be very appropriate, as it represents expression and vitality. However, if we subsequently go through a period of seriousness and tranquility, this same color can generate a feeling of dissonance, since it does not correspond to our current emotional state.
“People’s awareness of their comfort with the objects they own is increasing, which implies understanding that a change in color can influence their well-being. Unlike a wardrobe, which can be replaced relatively easily, changing cars due to color fatigue may be less practical and feasible in the short term,” says the psychologist.
Nowadays, identifying someone’s personality through the color of their car is not as simple as it used to be in the past. As we mentioned previously, more and more users are opting for the cheapest color when purchasing a vehicle and, in addition, manufacturers offer a more limited range of color options. “We could only refer to people who have an unusual colored car, one of those colors that attract attention when you see them passing by. These cars do speak about the personality of their owners. They are people who try to surpass fashion and have a very specific, very authentic personality. “They like to stand out beyond external perceptions and social expectations.”