Can the replacement door at a 4S shop be exactly the same as the original?
2 Answers
Many 4S shops do not allow the use of aftermarket parts for vehicle repairs, so generally, the doors replaced at 4S shops are original factory parts. Original factory doors have the same processing precision and manufacturing materials as the original ones, and their quality also meets automotive manufacturing standards. However, there is one difference: the paintwork. Original factory doors are painted along with the entire vehicle, while replacement doors from the factory come unpainted and are painted separately later. As long as the installation process is professional, there should be no significant difference in quality or fit between original factory and original doors. When replacing a door, it is not recommended to use aftermarket parts because their stamping molds differ from those of original and original factory parts, leading to precision gaps. Additionally, the materials used are different, resulting in varying rigidity, and they are generally cheaper. Typically, aftermarket doors have slightly thinner sheet metal, and some anti-corrosion processes do not meet original factory standards. These are important factors to consider, so it's crucial to distinguish between original factory and aftermarket parts and avoid being tempted by lower prices. Furthermore, since doors are not considered wear-and-tear parts, any replacement is a strong indication that the vehicle may have been involved in a collision, classifying it as an accident vehicle, which can depreciate its value. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid replacing the door if possible after an accident. If the door is damaged, consider repairing it with bodywork (panel beating) as long as safety and reliability are ensured.
Having personally experienced the door replacement process at a 4S dealership, as someone who frequently maintains vehicles, I'd say the results usually come close to the original condition, but it's hard to achieve absolute perfection. They use genuine manufacturer-supplied parts to ensure the door structure and materials match the original vehicle specifications. For color matching, computerized systems scan the old paint on the car body to achieve precise spray painting. However, since old car paint undergoes oxidation and fading, the new door's paint may appear slightly more vibrant, potentially revealing subtle differences under strong lighting. Technicians manually adjust door hinges and gaps during installation to maintain consistency, though inexperienced workers might result in less smooth door closing or uneven panel gaps. It's also crucial to check if the sealing strips are properly fitted to prevent future water leakage or wind noise. Electronic components like locks and buttons require proper rewiring, which is equally important. I always conduct multiple thorough inspections before taking delivery to ensure all functions work correctly. Overall, 4S shops' professional equipment can restore about 95% of the original condition, with newer vehicles typically achieving better results.
