What is the difference between a door replaced at a 4S store and an original factory door?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, the doors replaced at 4S stores are original factory doors, as most 4S stores do not allow the use of aftermarket parts for vehicle repairs. The following is a related introduction about car doors: 1. Design requirements: Ensure convenient entry and exit for passengers, with the maximum opening angle controlled at around 65° to 70°. During the opening process, the door should not interfere with other parts. When closed, the door should be securely locked and not open on its own while driving. 2. Definition: The car door provides access for the driver and passengers, isolates external interference, and to some extent reduces side impacts to protect the occupants.
Having driven for decades, I've noticed significant differences between original factory doors and those replaced at 4S shops. Factory parts come directly from the vehicle assembly line, with more uniform materials and coatings, offering excellent sealing—no water seepage even when not opening doors in rain. However, doors provided by 4S shops, though sourced from the manufacturer, require manual calibration during installation, potentially resulting in wider gaps that may affect wind noise or crash performance, slightly compromising safety. I recommend checking if the door closes with a solid thud and if the seals fit properly after replacement, ideally conducting a water spray test to ensure no leaks. In daily driving, original doors are lighter and have smoother rebound, whereas poorly adjusted replacements might cause window operation noises. Remember to have 4S shops recheck during regular maintenance to prevent minor issues from escalating. Overall, while 4S shops aren't as precise as factories, they're far more reliable than roadside garages—never opt for aftermarket parts just to save money.