Does Your Car's Color Turn It Into a Solar Oven? The AC Truth Revealed
NaTasha Brand • May 28, 2025
The Color Conundrum: Fact vs. Fiction
Here at Ric Henry's Auto Service in San Angelo, we've heard every Texas car myth imaginable. But when a customer asked if their black truck was cooking their AC system, we realized: this old wives' tale actually has some science behind it!
The Color Conundrum: Fact vs. Fiction
Remember high school science? Dark colors absorb heat, light colors reflect it. Your seventh-grade teacher wasn't lying - this applies to your car too:
• Midnight Riders (Black/Dark Cars): Can reach 130°F+ interiors in our Texas sun - that's 20-30° hotter than white cars
• Pale Riders (White/Light Cars): Reflect up to 60% of solar radiation before it penetrates
Your AC's Battle Against the Texas Sun
That extra heat means your AC system:
➤ Works 30% harder in dark vehicles
➤ Drains more fuel (up to 1 MPG loss)
➤ Ages faster under constant strain
Pro Tips to Keep Your Cool (No Matter the Color)
-Park like a vampire - Seek shade like it's your job
-Sunshield superhero - A $20 dashboard cover prevents "steering wheel burns"
-Window crack hack - 1/2" opening lets hot air escape
-AC maintenance matters - Annual checkups prevent 80% of failures
When Your AC Waves the White Flag
At Ric Henry's Auto Service, our certified technicians:
✓ Perform precision AC diagnostics
✓ Handle refrigerant recharges properly (no DIY disasters)
✓ Offer 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all repairs
While your pearl white F-150 won't magically fix a broken compressor, color absolutely affects how hard your AC works. The good news? With proper care, even a black sedan can survive Texas summers.
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Smell gas after leaving the San Angelo pump? Don’t panic. It might be a stuck purge valve or a flooded charcoal canister. Ric Henry’s Auto Service explains why topping off is a terrible idea and how we fix it right.
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