How to Detect Colour Changes in a Vehicle?

When I was first searching for a used car, I quickly learned that the paint job is more than just a cosmetic detail. A change in the vehicle’s colour can actually tell you a lot about its past – from minor touch-ups to major accident repairs. I want to share with you some real-world tips on how to spot these differences and why you should care.

Why a Colour Change Can Be a Red Flag

It might seem like a small thing, but any inconsistency in the paintwork is worth a closer look. Here’s why I always pay attention:

🚗 Accident Repairs

If parts of the car look like they’re painted in slightly different shades, it might indicate that the vehicle was in an accident and then repainted to hide the damage. In these cases, doing a write-off check can reveal if the car was ever considered a total loss.

🎨 Cosmetic Updates

Sometimes a repaint is simply about giving the car a new look. However, you need to be sure that the change wasn’t made to cover up issues like rust or minor damages that could affect the car’s integrity.

💰 Resale Value

From my experience, cars in their original colour tend to have a higher resale value. A non-original paint job – especially one that looks a bit off – can make it harder to sell the car later, or at least reduce its market value.

How to Spot a Repainted Car

Here’s how I go about checking if the paintwork is genuine or if there’s been a repaint:

1. Examine the Paint in Natural Light:
   Take the car for a look when the sun is out. Differences in the way the paint reflects light or in the texture across panels can indicate that some parts have been repainted.
2. Inspect Hidden Areas:
   Don’t just stick to the exterior. Open the bonnet, boot, and even check inside the doors. If these hidden areas show a different hue, it’s a clue that the car might not be entirely original.
3. Look at the Details:
   Check around the door frames and seals. I’ve noticed that uneven paint or signs of overspray in these areas can be a giveaway that the car has undergone some cosmetic work.
4. Consider a Paint Thickness Gauge:
   For those who really want to dig deep, a paint thickness gauge can highlight differences in the number of paint layers. It’s a handy tool if you’re serious about getting the full picture.
5. Run a Vehicle History Check:
   And of course, nothing beats a thorough vehicle history check. This report can confirm whether any changes in the paintwork have been officially recorded.

How Car Owl Can Make Your Life Easier

I’ve found Car Owl to be a real lifesaver when it comes to used car checks. It provides a detailed background on the vehicle, including any repaint records. Here’s a quick rundown on how to use it:

1. Visit the Car Owl vehicle history check page.
2. Enter the car’s registration number.
3. Review the report carefully – it will include any notes on colour changes, past accidents, and more.

This extra step might seem like a hassle, but trust me, it’s worth it to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

So, What If the Car Has Been Repainted?

Finding out that a car has been repainted isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it does mean you should ask a few more questions:

🔍 Talk to the Seller

Start by asking the seller about the repaint. Find out when it was done and why. A seller who’s upfront about this is someone you can trust.

🛠️ Look for Additional Issues

If the repaint was due to accident repairs, make sure to inspect the car for any structural issues or signs of hidden damage. Another write-off check can be very informative here.

👨‍🔧 Get a Mechanic’s Opinion

It never hurts to have a trusted mechanic take a look. They can often spot problems that aren’t immediately visible to the untrained eye.

💰 Negotiate the Price

If you feel the repaint might have affected the car’s value, use that information to negotiate a better deal. It’s all about ensuring you get a fair price for the car’s actual condition.

Wrapping Up

In my experience, paying attention to even the small details like a change in colour can save you from future headaches. It’s a simple check that can reveal a lot about the car’s past. Always remember to run a Car Owl vehicle history check before making your final decision, and if you want more tips, have a look at The Importance of Vehicle History Checks and How to Conduct a Vehicle History Check.