How long does it take to repair a car at a normal 4S shop?
3 Answers
4S shop repair time, under normal circumstances, regular maintenance takes 2 to 3 hours. Major maintenance takes 5 to 6 hours. Minor repairs and touch-ups, requiring external parts procurement, painting or sheet metal work, generally take 1 day to 7 days. Large-scale repairs take half a month to a month. Here is additional information: Notes: When going to a 4S shop for repairs, it is advisable to make an appointment in advance. This way, the service personnel can arrange the work station and some of the tools needed in advance, thereby improving efficiency. Car owners are encouraged to go to the 4S shop for regular maintenance before the warranty period expires. This way, if the car has any problems, the manufacturer will provide warranty coverage. Additionally, when going to a repair shop for maintenance, it is also necessary to choose a large, professional, and highly reputable repair shop.
When I first bought my car, I took it to the 4S shop for a minor scratch repair, thinking it would only take a few hours. But I ended up waiting the entire morning. Since then, I've realized that repair times are never certain—it mostly depends on how busy the shop is and what needs fixing. Simple maintenance like an oil change might take just an hour or so if you've booked in advance. But for major issues, like engine trouble, it could drag on for days, especially if parts are out of stock and need ordering. I've developed a habit of calling the 4S shop beforehand to check their schedule and see if I can book an appointment. Now that I'm more experienced, I bring a book or my laptop to pass the time while waiting, making use of their free Wi-Fi—no point wasting time just sitting around. The key thing to remember is that safety issues shouldn't be delayed—the sooner you fix them, the better.
Based on my years of driving experience, the repair time at 4S shops varies significantly. Minor jobs like tire inspections or cabin air filter replacements can be completed within an hour, provided you avoid peak hours. For major repairs such as chassis damage, it typically takes at least a day, sometimes three or four days, depending on the technician's speed and parts availability. I usually drop off my car by 8 a.m. to take advantage of shorter queues when the shop is less crowded. Another key factor is parts supply—while 4S shops usually have warehouses, rare components might take up to a week to arrive. Overall, booking an appointment is the ultimate time-saver; without one, holiday periods can mean long waits. Before any repair, I recommend checking online reviews to pick a reputable shop and save hassle.
