Should I go to a 4S shop or a repair shop for touch-up paint on a new car scratch?
3 Answers
Both are acceptable. Here are the relevant details: Commercial insurance: If the owner has purchased commercial insurance, which includes scratch insurance, it can be utilized by directly going to a 4S shop for touch-up paint. Extent of the scratch: The severity of the vehicle scratch should be considered, such as the size, depth of the scratch, and whether sheet metal work is needed. Generally, if the area is small and does not require sheet metal work, the car can continue to be used. It might be more economical and convenient to accumulate several minor scratches over months or years before getting a unified paint repair. During the new car warranty period, it is best not to modify or add accessories without authorization, including performing maintenance on your own. However, minor repairs like touch-up paint, especially if not severe, usually do not affect the warranty.
The decision to repair paint scratches on a new car depends on your needs. Dealership paint repairs are more expensive, often costing thousands, but they use original factory paint and standard processes, ensuring high color matching accuracy with minimal risk of color discrepancies later, especially for special finishes like pearl white. Repair shops offer more affordable prices, and skilled technicians can also achieve accurate color matching, providing better value for money, with some even offering same-day service. However, be cautious about the quality of materials used at repair shops, as low-quality clear coats may yellow or crack over time. My suggestion is to choose a reliable repair shop for minor scratches, but for extensive damage or special paint finishes, opt for the dealership. After all, the quality of paint repairs affects the car's resale value, and original dealership repair records are more convincing when selling the car in the future.
I wouldn't hesitate to choose a 4S dealership. A new car is like a newborn baby - it hurts to see it scratched. 4S shops have professional paint mixing equipment and dust-free spray booths, delivering perfectly smooth finishes. Though more expensive, their standardized processes and clear warranties justify the cost. Repair shops may save you half the money, but their craftsmanship varies. Last year my friend got orange peel texture from a small shop's repaint job, and two reworks made it worse. Nowadays there's paintless dent repair technology that fixes minor dents without repainting, much simpler than traditional bodywork. 4S dealerships have priority access to such new technologies - the repairs make your car look brand new. Those savings aren't worth the frustration anyway.
