Is the Door Replaced at a 4S Shop the Same as the Original?
3 Answers
Doors provide access for drivers and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, block external interference, and to some extent, mitigate side impacts to protect occupants. In some cases, after a collision accident, the door may be severely damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced. Are the doors replaced at a 4S shop original? Many car owners have this question when replacing a door for the first time. Let's explore this together. Doors are generally categorized into original, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), and aftermarket parts. Original parts are those produced by the manufacturer and installed on the vehicle during assembly; OEM parts are produced by the vehicle's manufacturer but sold separately; aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are produced by non-specified manufacturers. Is the door replaced at a 4S shop the same as the original? Generally, the doors replaced at 4S shops are OEM parts, as many 4S shops do not allow the use of aftermarket parts for vehicle repairs. OEM doors have the same processing precision and manufacturing materials as original parts, and their quality meets automotive manufacturing standards. However, there is one difference: original parts are painted along with the entire vehicle during production, while OEM parts are not painted when leaving the factory and are painted separately during later replacement. As long as the installation process is professional, there should be no significant difference in quality and completeness between OEM and original parts. When replacing a door, it is not recommended to use aftermarket parts because the stamping molds for aftermarket parts differ from those of original and OEM parts, leading to precision gaps. Additionally, the materials used are different, resulting in varying rigidity, and they are generally cheaper. Typically, aftermarket doors have slightly thinner sheet metal, and some anti-corrosion processes may not meet OEM standards. These are all important considerations, so it's crucial to distinguish between OEM and aftermarket parts and avoid choosing cheaper options. Furthermore, since doors are not considered wear-and-tear parts, if a door has been replaced, there is sufficient reason to suspect that the vehicle has been involved in a collision accident, which could classify the car as a "salvage" or "accident" vehicle, leading to depreciation. Therefore, it is advisable that if a door is damaged in an accident, avoid replacing it if possible. If safety and reliability can be ensured, opt for metal repair (panel beating) instead of replacement.
Last time I had my car door replaced at the 4S shop, I specifically observed the entire process. They used genuine manufacturer-supplied parts, even the packaging bore the brand logo. The technician adjusted the hinges with professional tools, achieving perfect gap alignment - the door closing sound was identical to the original. The painting was done in a dust-free booth with zero visible color difference. Although it cost nearly double compared to roadside shops, after two years of use, there's been no water leakage during rain and the weatherstrips show no cracks in winter. With aftermarket parts, the gaps would probably deform after just one seasonal cycle. Remember to test the window regulators during pickup - they're the most prone to issues.
Last year, my old car had its door scratched, so I took it directly to the dealership where I originally bought it. When the new door panel arrived, it came with the original factory code, and the assembly technician said it was sourced through the same channel as the parts on the production line. After installation, I measured the door gaps with my fingers, and they were perfectly symmetrical on both sides. What surprised me the most was the paint finish—under sunlight, the metallic paint’s reflective patterns blended seamlessly with the original car. The sealant they used was formulated to withstand both extreme cold and heat, and even at -15°C last winter, the door opened smoothly. Although I had to wait a week for the parts to be delivered, seeing the car restored to its original condition made the extra 2,000 yuan well worth it. If I had gone for cheaper aftermarket parts, the door might have started squeaking within two years.
