Should I paint my top ?

[swapdmyvette4this]

I have the diamond white paint with a black top and window surround, purchased off the lot. This may be standard for a match to the "neutral interior with dark accents", I don't know.

While not a big fan of the black and white finish, I can live with it, no big deal. BUT, since I am in the land of scorching sun, tho the car will be garaged, I am concerned about the potential heat load this may put on the a/c, ie run down my batteries faster. Does the top have any kind of heat-reflectance designed into the material , or paint ?

I'm sure a repaint would help, but most likely not cost effective lol. Next one I buy will have the white top !

[Henry_FL]

If you concerned about heat load, the glass by far where the IR will bake the volt. First thing I do with every vehicle is get all the windows tinted, on 98s in Lakeland is Tint Masters, $215 for the whole car. They do an amazing job, looks factory installed

[ewiggins]

I like the Black top with the white. I think several people on this site have mentioned the ceramic tinting.

[voltage692]

Doesn't matter what color car you buy or how much tint you put on the windows. You could replace the windows with steel plates, and it's still going to get boiling hot in the car.

The problem is that heat is going to get in, and it won't get out. It's a greenhouse effect. You may be able to delay by a little bit how quickly it gets up to temp, but it's going to get there just the same. Someone did a test and found the color of the car doesn't matter.

So unless you want to pay that cash for looks, I wouldn't do it because you are not getting any function for the money.

[ewiggins]

Doesn't matter what color car you buy or how much tint you put on the windows. You could replace the windows with steel plates, and it's still going to get boiling hot in the car.

The problem is that heat is going to get in, and it won't get out. It's a greenhouse effect. You may be able to delay by a little bit how quickly it gets up to temp, but it's going to get there just the same. Someone did a test and found the color of the car doesn't matter.

So unless you want to pay that cash for looks, I wouldn't do it because you are not getting any function for the money.

Before i bought my Volt, I was debating on whether to get a white or black Volt. After searching the Internet and reading several articles, the general consensus was as you stated. The car will get hot regardless of the color. The difference will be how long it takes to heat up the inside. I have a friend that swears the tinted windows help in keeping the car cool when it is running.

[tboult]

Yep.. color does not matter much on internal temperatures.

Check out the measurements at
http://www.tom-morrow-land.com/tests/cartemp/index.htm

[silvercorvette]

I have the tri cote diamond white and live in SC where it may not get as hot where you live but it still gets close. That diamond white was a $1,000 option and in my opinion you may wind up mucking up the roof of your car if they don't do a good job matching up the color. The diamond white looks beautiful the way it reflects the sunlight I would not risk ruining my car especially when there is a good chance that there woun't be any energy savings.

[silvercorvette]

I guess I should mention that you are going to have to spend $4,000 or more to get a good job, anything less and it will probably look like poop

[Kacey Green]

if you insist on doing this get a white vinyl wrap, $400-800 installed and it isn't permanent, and provides protection to the paint too

[swapdmyvette4this]

Well the painting option was only a tongue-in-cheek mod. Not going to happen. But I guess the tinting is a realistic choice. its been a few years since I've had that done as I always just cranked up the a/c & I guess this car should be no different regardless of any drain on power. After all, it DOES have to stand on its own merits.

Thx guys.