Is Touch-Up Paint Free for New Cars?

[Dawn]

Touch-up paint is not free for new cars within the first year of purchase. Color selection for touch-up paint: When touching up the paint, it's crucial to ensure the paint is properly mixed. Over time, vehicle paint fades, so the touch-up paint must be matched to the current body color. Touch-up based on specific damage conditions: For minor paint damage, such as small dots, you can use a vehicle-specific touch-up pen to apply a small amount. This prevents rust formation and is barely noticeable, avoiding the need for extensive repainting. For fine scratches like those from tree branches or car washing, applying car wax multiple times can usually reduce their visibility. If the vehicle has noticeable scratches or the paint is chipped down to the primer, immediate repair is necessary to prevent rusting of the metal, which could lead to large-scale corrosion and significant damage to the car's surface.

[Raymond]

When buying the car, the salesperson told me that minor scratches in the first two years would qualify for free touch-up paint. However, upon asking at the dealership, I realized it was a bit of a sales tactic. Scratches incurred during the transportation of the new car from the factory are indeed repaired for free, but scratches from hitting a tree stump while driving aren’t covered. A little-known fact is that luxury brands often include paint protection cards, while mainstream brands usually require purchasing an additional service package at the time of purchase. My colleague spent 2,000 yuan last year on a three-year package for six paint touch-ups, which was more cost-effective than paying per repair. That said, small stone chips can usually be fixed with a touch-up pen, while larger palm-sized damage is better handled through insurance.

[VanElaina]

Last time the mechanic mentioned that the warranty for new car paint only covers quality issues within six months. For example, orange peel texture or paint bubbles are covered, while other issues require out-of-pocket expenses. Nowadays, 4S shops often offer free touch-up vouchers during promotions, but pay attention to the terms and conditions. A while ago, when I got a scratch on my dad's car's rearview mirror fixed, the shop said the free voucher only covers an area within the size of two cigarette boxes. If new drivers are worried about scratches, it's recommended to purchase scratch insurance, which costs a few hundred dollars a year and covers repairs on all four sides. Actually, for minor damages, try using scratch wax first to buff it out. Only consider repainting if the primer is exposed.

[AshleyDella]

Attention to new car owners: Dealerships only offer free paint repair for factory defects, not for self-inflicted scratches like reversing into a wall. One shop charged me 800 for a door repair, but I later found a quick-service shop doing it for 400 with same-day pickup. Minor scratches become nearly invisible after three layers of touch-up paint—online kits cost just 30 yuan and include polishing compound. While ceramic coating or PPF is expensive, it protects against light scratches. Remember to inspect the entire paint surface during the first maintenance and report any flaws immediately.

[OCameron]

A painful lesson, my friends! Subtle scratches unnoticed during pickup won't be acknowledged after half a month. Nowadays, paint repair packages often come with car purchases, but they're full of restrictions: limited to specific panels, must be used within three months of pickup, and maximum 20cm length. A colleague had to file an insurance claim for hail damage on the roof. Actually, for plastic parts like mirrors and bumpers, touch-up is optional since they don't rust. If you must repair, manufacturer-certified shops are recommended for better color matching.