Does replacing the rearview mirror at a 4S store require painting?
3 Answers
Replacing the rearview mirror at a 4S store requires painting. Reasons for painting: The original rearview mirror is colorless and needs to be painted to match the car body's paint surface. It usually takes 2 days to dry completely. Purpose of painting: After driving for a period of time, the original car paint will fade. Some manufacturers provide rearview mirrors with the original car paint, while others do not. Installing an unpainted mirror will result in a color difference with the car's paint, affecting aesthetics. Therefore, painting is required upon arrival. Replacing a rearview mirror will not affect the future sale of the car as a used vehicle. Generally, factors that impact the resale value of a used car include body repairs, paintwork, or major modifications to the chassis or frame.
Last time I replaced my rearview mirror, I found that 4S shops usually paint it according to the car body color before installation, because new mirror housings often come unpainted from the factory and need to be specifically matched to your car. The painting process typically takes half a day to a full day, and the cost is included in the service. If you want to save trouble, just let the 4S shop handle it—they have a color code database to perfectly replicate the shade, saving you the hassle of going to a paint mixing shop. But if only the mirror glass is broken and the housing is unaffected, painting might not be necessary! In any case, clarify the details before you go to avoid unnecessary trips and better control your budget. Remember, a good color match isn’t just about looks—it also prevents future rust issues. I recommend fixing it early to avoid small problems becoming big ones.
I think whether replacing a side mirror requires repainting depends on the situation. If it's a new part for the same car model, it might come pre-painted. But most of the time, the dealership has to custom-match the color on-site, and the cost includes the painting step, usually adding a few hundred yuan. I suggest calling the dealership first to check if repainting is necessary—sometimes just replacing internal components can skip the painting, saving both money and time. From a practical standpoint, painting ensures the new mirror doesn't look out of place, especially on darker cars where it's more noticeable. Without painting, the adhesive edges may eventually let in wind and water over time. Also, if the damage is covered by insurance, repainting is usually included in the claim, so no need to worry about extra costs.