Is free touch-up paint provided for new car scratches within one year?

[CaliLynn]

New car scratches are not eligible for free touch-up paint within one year. Below are relevant details: 4S store touch-up: If you go to a 4S store for touch-up paint, it will be charged according to standard rates. However, if the scratched area is not noticeable and requires spot painting by the 4S store, this service may be provided free of charge. High-temperature baking: Minor scratches or blemishes on new cars do not necessarily require touch-up treatment. It's important to understand that touch-up paint treatment is completely different from the original paint. Original paint is applied and then the entire vehicle is baked at 200 degrees Celsius. However, many components on a finished vehicle cannot withstand such high temperatures. Even when using specialized touch-up paint during repairs, the baking temperature is maintained at around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, and the touch-up paint can only treat the surface layer. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, touch-up painting is not recommended.

[VanAaron]

There's really no universal standard for this; it mainly depends on the promotions offered by the 4S store where you buy your car. When I picked up my car last year, the salesperson gave me a 'Paint Protection' package that included three free touch-ups for minor scratches within a year, but my colleague who bought from the neighboring brand didn't get this service. Free paint repairs usually fall into two categories: either it's a special manufacturer policy (like some brands offering paint repair vouchers for the first year), or it's a promotion run by the 4S store itself (only given when purchasing premium packages). I suggest you check the attachments in your car purchase contract – if free items are listed, just bring your vehicle license and drive over. Last time I got a scratch on the hood fixed, I didn't even need an appointment – it was done in two hours, and they even washed the car.

[Carter]

I've been repairing cars for seven years, and to be honest: manufacturer warranties definitely don't cover paint touch-ups! But some dealerships are quite savvy with their business. Last month, a customer scratched the mirror on his new car, and when I checked the purchase order, I realized he had paid an extra 8,800 yuan for a 'lifetime free paint touch-up' value-added service. These usually come with restrictions on the size (about the size of a palm) and frequency (twice a year), and you have to go back to the original dealership for the service. If it's just a small scratch on the surface paint, I recommend trying scratch wax first. If the metal underneath is exposed, then it needs to be dealt with. At the end of the year, many 4S shops run free paint touch-up promotions to boost sales—just call the after-sales manager, and they'll know.

[LeJayden]

Sharing my experience: I haggled with the salesperson for three hours during pickup to secure two free touch-up paints. Remember to check if the agreement restricts the areas—my deal only covered the front and rear bumpers. Last time I scraped the wheel arch in the parking garage, the technician said it wasn’t considered a collision part and used the manufacturer’s paint for a free spot spray. The key is to address it early—if the metal base is exposed, it can rust through in four months. Nowadays, a decent shop can handle a partial bumper repair for 300 bucks. Filing an insurance claim just to save money might hurt next year’s discount.

[Grady]

There are only two ways to get free touch-ups for new car scratches: either sign a value-added agreement when purchasing the car or participate in the brand's official owner events. Last time I helped my brother deal with a scratch on his left door, I discovered his contract included 'first-year scratch protection,' but the conditions were shockingly restrictive—no damage to the primer, no single scratch exceeding 5cm, and requiring surveillance proof that it was caused by someone else. In the end, we spent 150 yuan to fix it in half an hour at a quick repair shop. My advice: record the verbal promises about freebies when picking up the car and never trust oral commitments—always confirm the terms in writing.

[SanAlexis]

Just dealt with a door scratch, here's the answer: Manufacturers won't give free touch-up paint anymore! The so-called 'free' offers are just 4S store marketing tactics. Last week, my neighbor scratched the wheel arch of their new car and brought the handwritten 'free touch-up card' from the salesperson, only to be told they needed to spend over 2000 yuan to activate it. Honestly, it's more cost-effective to use compulsory traffic insurance—the 2000 yuan coverage is enough for four touch-ups, and the premium only increases by 95 yuan the next year. For small scratches, just use a touch-up pen for temporary coverage—the 20-yuan ones on Taobao work surprisingly well.