Does Touch-Up Paint at a Repair Shop Affect After-Sales Service?
2 Answers
Touch-up paint at a repair shop does not affect after-sales service. The vehicle's paint is not covered under the vehicle's warranty, so touch-up paint will not impact warranty service. Color selection for touch-up paint: When performing touch-up paint, it is important to ensure the paint is properly mixed. Over time, vehicles experience fading, so the paint must be matched to the current body color. Touch-up paint based on the specific damage: For minor paint damage, such as small dots, a dedicated touch-up pen can be used to apply a small amount of paint. This prevents rust formation and is barely noticeable, avoiding the need for extensive repainting. For fine scratches, such as those from tree branches or car washes, applying car wax multiple times can usually reduce the visibility of the scratches. If the vehicle has noticeable scratches or the paint is chipped down to the primer, immediate repair is necessary to prevent rust formation, which can lead to large-scale corrosion and significant damage to the vehicle's surface.
When I first bought my car, I always tried to save trouble by going to small roadside shops for paint touch-ups, thinking it was just about applying some paint and didn’t matter much. However, after one touch-up on a scratch on the rear bumper, the paint peeled off and rust formed within a few months. When I went back to the 4S dealership for the first maintenance, the mechanic outright said the rust affected structural inspection and refused to honor the warranty. I was furious. Later, I learned the hard way about after-sales service: brand warranties usually depend on original service records. If you casually go to any shop for paint repairs and it ends up damaging the car’s rustproofing or sensors, the 4S dealership has grounds to deny free service. After all, after-sales service mainly covers major components like the engine and chassis, but if minor repairs leave hidden risks, they can avoid liability. So now I’ve wised up—I choose certified shops for paint touch-ups, even if it costs more, to save hassle later and avoid disputes and losses.
