Murdered Out Cars: Aesthetics Vs. Safety

“Any color the customer wants, as long as it's black,” said Henry Ford. This phrase is still popular among owners of black cars. However, even the perfect color, according to the great industrialist, can have flaws. Today, we discover the concept of murdered out cars and their pros and cons.

What does "murdered out on a car" mean?

The term a "murdered out" or “blacked out” car refers to a vehicle that has been entirely painted black, receiving a blackout treatment from top to bottom. This encompasses not only black paint but also black window tints on every glass surface. Owners customize their vehicles with black mirrors, wheels, window tints, blacked-out taillights, and blacked-out chrome accents. The finish could be either matte or gloss, but the key element is that everything must be black.

The concept of a fully black car is associated with the term "murdered out" after Death Row Records conducted a promotional photoshoot in the 1990s featuring its artists dressed in black against a black backdrop. This black-on-black aesthetic became known as "murdered out" and eventually extended to cars.

Why do people like blacked out cars?

Blacked out chrome on the car lets you make your car stand out and give it a unique look.

 The dark window tint brings bold sophistication and exclusivity to the vehicle. It imparts a sleek, matte appearance that captures attention wherever you drive. 

Are black cars a good idea?

The striking and enigmatic look of a blacked out car commands attention not only on the auto shows, but on the road and at any parking lot. When choosing a color for your future car and scheduling your window tint installation, weighing the benefits and drawbacks is crucial. 

Chic and prestige

Monochrome colors are a feature of expensive cars, and black is the most impressive one associated with luxury, fashion, and prestige. Even if you buy a used model under 25K in black, its silhouette will look clearer and the lines smoother.

Neutrality and versatility

The advantage of a black out vehicle is that you will never get tired of it or outgrow it as red, green, or even blue.

Easy to choose paint

Even common colors, for example, white, do not always match the original coating. With black, it is almost impossible to miss the shade if you cover up the body imperfections.

Visible in snow and daylight

Murdered-out cars are clearly visible on the road in heavy snowfall and during the day, reducing the risk of a collision.

Reduces glare due to tinting

The tinting film reflects and absorbs visible light waves, making black windows useful when the sun is shining or at night when someone turns on the high beams behind you. Good tinting stops up to 99% of ultraviolet rays, protecting you from UV radiation and preventing the car upholstery from fading.

Heat insulation

This property is based on the reflection and absorption of infrared waves. So, in summer, tinting does not allow the car to heat up, reducing the load on the air conditioner. Its service life increases, and fuel consumption decreases.

Cons of murdered out cars

The advantages of a murdered out car seem attractive, but there are still several drawbacks to consider. There are several practical, safety, and legal issues related to black color and heavily tinted windows.

Dirt and dust

A blacked out auto looks chic when it is clean. The unique gloss gives any model an impressive and elegant look. But the dust layer becomes visible very fast. The owner of a mudered out car will have to wash it several times more often to maintain an attractive appearance.

Inconspicuous at night

A parked black out car is hardly visible on the side of the road at night. The car blends in with the dark asphalt, increasing the risk of an accident.

Is it legal to drive a fully murdered-out car in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana law allows tinted windows and blacked-out parts, but there are limits. Window tints must let in enough light—usually at least 20% visibility on front side windows—and headlights or taillights can’t be overly darkened. Going too dark risks fines or inspection failure. Many Indiana owners opt for professional tinting and wrapping services from Indy Auto Man service center to stay compliant while keeping their ride sleek and stealthy.

Depending on the degree of tinting, visibility is impaired, especially in the rain or at night. Therefore, various states and countries impose specific regulations on the permissible darkness levels and reflectivity percentages for car window tinting. Here you can check the regulations the Indiana state established to maintain the safety of drivers and passengers while permitting certain levels of window tinting.

Check also what you need to register a car in Indiana.

How do you care for matte and gloss black finishes in Indiana?

Both gloss and matte finishes require special care to maintain their best appearance. For matte paint, use a gentle, pH-balanced car shampoo and avoid waxing or polishing, which can add unwanted shine. For gloss black, wash regularly with microfiber mitts and use swirl mark–removing polishes every few months. In Indiana, where winter salt and grime take a toll, applying a high-quality ceramic coating or paint sealant before winter will protect the finish from corrosion and staining. After snowy seasons, do a thorough rinse and detail to remove salt buildup. For matte finishes, avoid waxing or polishing; use gentle, pH-balanced cleaners designed for matte paint. Regular professional detailing, once or twice a year, can help keep your blacked-out vehicle looking new for longer.

Will a blacked-out finish affect insurance or resale value?

Insurance companies often consider heavily modified vehicles to have increased risk, which can lead to higher premiums or the need for specialized coverage. As for resale, the all-black look is popular but not for everyone. Some Indiana sellers find buyers who love the style and pay extra, while others face tougher negotiations. Keeping documentation of legal upgrades handy helps smooth both insurance and resale dealings.

Should you "Murder Out" your car?

If you're considering a murdered-out look for your sedan or sports car, the first step is to check your local regulations regarding window and headlight tint. Next, consider the cost. If you have excellent DIY skills and already drive a black car, the expenses shouldn't be too high. However, you may need to hire specialists for tasks like replacing badges, emblems, lights, and tinting windows.

If you don’t currently own a black car, you can check the assortment of black and murdered out cars in the Indy Auto Man used car lot near you in Indianapolis or order this customization option for your favorite model from our stock.