Should I go to a 4S shop or a repair shop for scratches on my new car?
4 Answers
Both options are acceptable. Here is the relevant information: 1. Commercial insurance: If the owner has purchased commercial insurance, which includes scratch insurance, it can be utilized at this time. Simply go to a 4S shop for repainting. 2. Extent of the scratch: The severity of the vehicle scratch should be considered, such as the size and depth of the scratch and whether panel beating is required. Generally, if the area is small and does not require panel beating, the car can continue to be used. After accumulating several months or years of scratches, a unified paint repair can be done, which is economical and hassle-free. During the warranty period of a new car, it is best not to make unauthorized modifications or additions, including self-maintenance. However, repairs like repainting, especially for minor issues, usually do not affect the warranty.
I just bought a new car and it got scratched within a few days, which made me feel really upset. Although repairing it at the 4S dealership is more expensive, it guarantees the use of original parts and precise color matching for the paint, making the repair almost unnoticeable and protecting the appearance and value of the new car. Since the car is still under warranty, repairing it elsewhere could be risky. If any issues arise later, the 4S dealership might shirk responsibility, which would be troublesome. I consulted a few friends, and they all said that for scratches on a new car, the 4S dealership should be the first choice—it's reliable in quality, especially for big brands with advanced equipment and trustworthy technology. Additionally, if insurance claims are involved, the process at the 4S dealership is standardized with fewer disputes, and the costs are transparent and hassle-free. Don’t try to save money by settling for a quick fix on minor scratches—it’s worth spending a bit more on a new car. Repair shops may be cheaper, but they might use aftermarket parts, leading to uneven paint, bubbling, or fading over time, and regret will come too late. In short, a new car is a treasure—don’t take the risk of repairing it at a small shop.
My car has been scratched several times, and I've tried both repair shops and 4S dealerships. Repair shops are definitely more cost-effective, with a paint job costing just a few hundred yuan, while 4S dealerships often charge over a thousand and require time-consuming appointments and queues. For minor scratches on a new car, a reputable repair shop is perfectly fine—their technicians are skilled and fast, often completing repairs the same day. For insurance claims, either option works, but without insurance, a repair shop is more economical. New car warranties mainly cover mechanical parts, so exterior repairs don't require a 4S dealership. Last time, I fixed a scratched bumper at a repair shop for 500 yuan, and it's held up well for a year with no issues. 4S dealerships offer better service but charge a premium for the brand—it's better to save that money for fuel or maintenance. It ultimately depends on your budget; there's no need to overspend on minor scratches.
It depends on how severe the scratch is. If it's just a minor scratch without exposing the primer, I can either wax it myself or go to a repair shop for a simple polish, which saves money and effort. If the metal body is damaged and the primer is exposed, rust prevention treatment is necessary. For a new car, it's recommended to prioritize repairs at a 4S shop—they have professional equipment, even paint application, and high color matching accuracy to avoid color discrepancies. Small repair shops might be cheaper and faster, but their color matching may be inaccurate, making the repair noticeable under sunlight. Also, consider insurance coverage; with full coverage, it's easier to claim at a 4S shop, otherwise, self-paying at a repair shop is more economical. For a new car, maintaining a perfect appearance is crucial—don't skimp on small things and risk bigger issues. Choose flexibly based on the situation.
