Is it necessary to go to a 4S shop to replace the bumper?
4 Answers
It is not necessary to go to a 4S shop. Replacing the bumper itself does not pose any technical difficulties, and general mechanics can handle it. The main difference is that the bumpers at 4S shops are usually sourced directly from the manufacturer, offering better quality, while repair shops outside typically use aftermarket parts, which are often of inferior quality. Here are some related introductions: Introduction to car bumpers: The car bumper is a safety device designed to absorb and mitigate external impacts, protecting the front and rear of the vehicle. Many years ago, car bumpers were made of steel plates pressed into channel steel, riveted or welded to the frame rails, leaving a noticeable gap from the body, which looked quite unattractive. With the development of the automotive industry and the widespread use of engineering plastics, car bumpers, as an important safety device, have also undergone innovation. The role of car bumpers: Today, the front and rear bumpers of cars not only maintain their original protective functions but also strive for harmony and unity with the vehicle's styling and pursue lightweight design. The front and rear bumpers of cars are made of plastic, commonly referred to as plastic bumpers. Generally, a car's plastic bumper consists of three parts: the outer panel, cushioning material, and crossbeam. The outer panel and cushioning material are made of plastic, while the crossbeam is formed from cold-rolled sheet metal pressed into a U-shaped channel; the outer panel and cushioning material are attached to the crossbeam.
Replacing the bumper really depends on the specific situation. Last year when I was involved in a rear-end collision, I faced this choice and visited several shops for comparisons. The 4S dealership uses genuine parts that fit perfectly, with paint colors matching exactly, but the price was nearly double. The repair shop used aftermarket parts that felt noticeably thinner, and during installation, the clip positions didn't align properly, requiring adjustments. The shop owner said they'd work but always looked a bit off. After driving for over half a year, the corners of the bumper replaced at the repair shop started showing slight deformation. For new or high-end cars, I'd recommend going straight to the 4S dealership—their disassembly and installation processes are more standardized, even aligning the radar holes precisely with the original car. For older cars, a reliable repair shop is an option, but make sure they adjust the gaps properly before painting to avoid later rattles.
As someone who frequently deals with accident vehicles, I recommend focusing on the extent of damage. For minor scratches and paint chips, there's no need for a complete replacement—professional paintless dent repair shops can fix it for a few hundred yuan. However, for severe damage like cracks or broken clips, the advantage of 4S shops lies in their comprehensive services: they include items like front radar calibration and lane assist system matching in the repair bill, which might incur extra charges at regular shops. I once helped a client replace parts at a roadside shop, only to have the adaptive cruise control malfunction, requiring a return for rework. As for insurance claims, it's even more hassle-free—if you choose a designated 4S shop for repairs, the assessor approves the price quickly, and you don’t even need to handle the invoice yourself.
Decide based on your car's age and budget. Last year, my eight-year-old car had its bumper scratched by an electric vehicle, so I took it directly to a familiar repair shop. While removing the old bumper, the owner noticed that the bracket of the anti-collision beam was also bent and straightened it without extra charge. Using a Taiwan-made aftermarket part cost just over 800 yuan, and the paint job turned out surprisingly good. However, when I accompanied a friend to repair their newly bought Tesla, the 4S shop's operation standards with a lift were indeed different—even the screws were removed according to the torque specified in the repair manual. Nowadays, some chain quick repair shops also offer OEM parts ordering services at about 15% lower prices than 4S shops, but you need to place an order three days in advance.
