Should the first touch-up paint for a new car be done at a 4S shop?
2 Answers
It is optional to go to a 4S shop for a new car. If the area is large and requires sheet metal work, and it is not self-paid, you can go to a 4S shop for touch-up paint. Minor scratches can be resolved by purchasing a touch-up pen that matches the car's color or using scratch wax after washing. Moderate scratches can be handled at nearby decoration and beauty shops or quick repair shops, without necessarily going to a 4S shop. Advantages of 4S shops: The paint mixed at 4S shops is closer to the original color, but the cost is also higher. If the area is large and requires sheet metal work, you can go to a 4S shop for touch-up paint, as current 4S shops have advantages in color matching and sheet metal work. If it involves insurance and vehicle compensation, it is advisable to go to a 4S shop, as they are more comprehensive. Color difference in touch-up paint: No matter where the touch-up is done, there will be some color difference. If the car is newly purchased and hasn't been used for long, the color difference will be minimal. White car paint has the most severe color difference when touched up because white is a pure color, and even slight differences can be clearly seen under sunlight. The method for touch-up paint is to clean the chipped area with water; sand the chipped area with sandpaper until it is smooth to the touch; cover areas that do not need touch-up with tape; and spray paint that matches the car's color onto the chipped area.
As a new car owner, I was particularly conflicted about getting my first paint touch-up. When I accidentally got a small scratch from a tree branch while parked on the roadside, it really hurt. I first inquired at the 4S dealership, where the price was almost double and I had to wait in line for a week. Local repair shops quoted half the price and could get it done the same day. I weighed my options: new car paint is particular, and 4S shops have original factory-matching tools—even a slight color mismatch would look bad. But for minor scratches, like shallow ones that haven’t exposed the primer, using a touch-up pen or a quick spray at a small shop would suffice, and spending a fortune wasn’t worth it. In the end, I chose a well-reviewed local shop where the technician did a great job—the color difference was barely noticeable. The money I saved went into maintenance products, which felt like a much better deal. Before getting a touch-up, I recommend taking photos and comparing quotes from a few places, then deciding based on the scratch severity—don’t blindly trust 4S shops.