Murdered Out Cars (Everything You Need To Know)
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Acquiring an automobile ranks amongst the major substantial acquisitions an individual will ever make.
When considering getting a vehicle, augmenting and enhancing its features can heighten its security, elevate its aesthetic appeal, and amplify its driving pleasure.
A prevalent and expanding movement in vehicle customization is to "murder out" the car, which, despite its ominous-sounding name, pertains only to a distinct vehicular style.
This article will highlight all you need to know about murdered out cars, from what it means to its advantages, legality, et cetera.
Table of Contents
Murdered Out Cars: What Does it Mean?
A vehicle that has been "Murdered Out" features complete blackness or a "blacked out" in the car's appearance. The blackness extends to the exterior paint, window tinting (typically no more than 20%), wheels, and insignia/emblems. Also, in some cases, other vehicular components, such as the chrome accents and taillights.
For many individuals, a "Murdered Out" car lacks shine or gloss and features a matte black paint job, widely regarded as the most prevalent definition of such vehicles.
Is It Legal To Murder Out Your Cars?
The concept of blacking out cars is hardly novel, as thousands of automobile owners worldwide have recently shown keen interest in this vehicular treatment.
However, those driving "Murdered Out" cars tend to draw significant attention from law enforcement officials, with traffic police regularly pulling over these cars.
While such vehicles are not necessarily illegal, it is prudent to acquaint oneself with regulations regarding window tints, taillights, and headlights before proceeding with blacking them out.
Window Tints
Regulations governing window tinting vary from one state to another.
Typically, states stipulate a minimum level of "light transmittance," "luminous reflectance," or other comparable standards that determine the acceptable amount of visibility through the glass in the windows and windshields of vehicles.
By federal law, automobile manufacturers must produce car windows that provide at least 70 percent light transmittance.
However, consumers can opt for aftermarket window tinting that is significantly darker.
While such darker tints may be permissible in some states, verifying the regulations in one's state for additional requirements is essential.
For instance, in California and many other states, the tinting allowed on driver's side windows may be less than that permitted on rear windows.
Sunnier states may impose less restrictive regulations on window tinting. In Texas, for instance, front windows and windshields can have a light transmittance as low as 25 percent, while rear windows have no restrictions for cars equipped with side mirrors on both sides of the vehicle.
Tail Lights and Head Lights
Tail light and headlight regulations also vary from one state to another, with modifications to these lighting devices potentially violating the vehicle code in numerous states.
In the state of Washington, for instance, "the addition of an aftermarket style ornament or other features such as tinted plastic glass covers, a grille, or allotted covers must not be placed in front of the headlamp lens, or in front of any other lighting devices installed on motor vehicles which impair the effectiveness of lighting equipment."
Several states prohibit not only darkened tail lights but also essentially proscribe clear tail lamp lenses.
The Oregon Vehicle Code, for instance, mandates that signal lamps, brake lamps, tail lamps, side marker lamps, and side reflex reflectors emit red or amber light.
Numerous clear tail lamp covers must satisfy these requirements and thus invite a traffic citation.
Benefits of Murdering Out Your Cars
One of the primary benefits of a murdered-out vehicle is its ability to impart a dark, polished, and enigmatic appearance to your automobile.
Achieving this style involves darkening the vehicle's paint and rims, tinting the windows, and maximizing its overall darkness.
Moreover, this modification can provide enhanced privacy and security due to the tinted windows. If you plan to pursue this customization for your vehicle, it is essential to consider various guidelines and aspects of the process.
How To Murder Out Your Cars
Several distinct upgrades must be implemented if you aspire to enhance and revamp your vehicle. They include the following:
1. Tint the Windows
An often-recommended step to achieve a murdered-out car is to apply window tinting to your vehicle's windows.
Properly tinted windows can be an excellent complement to the dark and enigmatic aesthetic of your vehicle.
Depending on your car model, you could purchase and install a pre-cut window tint kit yourself, but great care must be taken to avoid errors that may affect your car's overall look and visibility while driving.
2. Get New Rims
In addition to tinting your windows, it is essential to contemplate the appearance of your wheels and tires.
An alternative to consider is purchasing a fresh set of black rims, although this can be a significant expense.
Exploring other options, such as using appropriate sandpaper and paint to prepare and paint the rims black on your own, may be worthwhile, producing satisfactory outcomes.
3. Change the Color of Your Car
When attempting to achieve a murdered-out look for your vehicle, the essential aspect is a dark exterior, preferably with a matte finish that lacks shine or reflectivity.
There are various ways to achieve this appearance outside your vehicle. One option is to paint your car with flat black car paint, which provides a matte finish.
Another alternative is to invest in a new car wrap specifically designed for this type of vehicle's appearance.
Whether you opt for a new paint job or prefer to invest in a dark matte vehicle wrap, having a professional perform the work is often preferable.
In addition to painting and applying a wrap to the outside of your vehicle, you must also consider all accessories and accents.
To achieve a cohesive black look, it's best to cover all accent pieces on the trim with a wrap or sand them down and paint them black. This will help to give a uniform black appearance to your entire vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Murder Out Your Car?
As most cars do not come murdered out from the manufacturer, customizing your vehicle to achieve the desired aesthetic entails additional expenses.
If they were not included in the car, it is necessary to purchase black wheels. Furthermore, it would be best to acquire the appropriate paint to black out the reflectors and taillights, which require a translucent finish.
Finally, tinting your car windows is mandatory for a complete black-out appearance.
This modification can cost several hundred dollars, making it anything but an inexpensive endeavor. Unless you have the necessary expertise to complete some of the work, the process can be pretty pricey, with expenses easily exceeding $1,000.
However, undertaking some of the tasks alone can save you money.
Does Murdering Out Your Vehicle Make It Cooler?
Opinions on black-out cars are varied, with many individuals and states imposing unique treatment on these vehicles due to specific mental associations.
While some prefer white cars to their black counterparts, the latter color has a long-standing sinister connotation.
Undoubtedly, many consider murdered-out cars excellent, as the color lends a seductive appeal to the vehicle.
However, the choice of car color ultimately depends on personal taste, with some individuals not particularly enamored by flat black cars. It is crucial to remember the regulations and guidelines regarding black tint in your locality when making a choice.
How Often Do You Wash a Murdered-Out Car?
Black-painted vehicles are particularly prone to accumulating dirt and grime, making maintaining a pristine and glossy appearance an absolute priority.
How frequently one should wash their black car largely depends on various factors, including driving habits, time of year, and prevailing weather conditions.
Generally, it is recommended that black cars be washed every two weeks if they are driven regularly to avoid the buildup of dirt and other impurities that could eventually corrode and damage key mechanical and cosmetic components.
Neglecting to properly and regularly wash a black car can result in a significant buildup of dirt and debris that may harm the vehicle's brakes and paint, potentially leading to a significant loss in resale value.
The owner can help preserve the vehicle's glossy finish and other vital components for long-term durability and optimal resale value by implementing a consistent car washing regimen.
Fortunately, there are a plethora of cleaning products, both online and offline, explicitly designed to clean and protect black cars. These products are not only affordable but also highly convenient to use.
