Is It Safe to Leave a Car Overnight for Paint Touch-Up?
2 Answers
If the car owner opts for paint touch-up at an authorized repair shop or 4S dealership, leaving the car overnight is generally safe. It is advisable for the owner to remove valuables from the vehicle before departure to avoid unnecessary disputes. Below are some details regarding automotive paint touch-up: 1. Preliminary Preparation: During the paint touch-up process, 4S dealerships typically recommend owners to leave their keys and jointly record the vehicle's mileage, fuel gauge reading, overall condition, and external scratches. The owner must then verify and sign the documentation. Before leaving, staff will remind the owner to remove any valuables from the car. 2. Security Measures: Most reputable 4S dealerships are now equipped with surveillance systems, allowing owners to review footage in case of lost items.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and it's quite common for new cars to stay overnight for paint touch-ups. Authorized 4S shops all have 24-hour surveillance and security guards on duty. The workshop is locked at night, with all keys managed by the front desk. After painting, it takes 6-8 hours in the baking room to dry properly – leaving overnight is essential for thorough drying. Remember to check for color differences and leveling effects on the paint surface when picking up the car, and take a look at the odometer for any unusual mileage increase. Remove valuables in advance and don't leave wallets or documents in the car. When choosing a shop, it's best to pick one with an independent enclosed workshop. Last month, I helped a client with a Mercedes paint touch-up that stayed overnight at the shop – no issues at all. Paint curing requires a constant temperature and humidity environment, so leaving it at the shop actually protects the paint better than parking it outdoors.
