What is the difference between painting at a 4S shop and outside?

[ValerieDella]

The painting quality at a 4S shop is relatively more reliable. Vehicles processed at a 4S shop undergo mutual quality inspections between various procedures and a final inspection by a quality inspector before delivery. The manufacturer also has a relatively comprehensive service supervision system to protect customer rights. In contrast, some paint and beauty shops have incomplete supervision and service systems, which may lead to difficulties in rights protection later. Precautions after car painting: 1. Pay attention to cleaning: After painting, be careful when cleaning. Try not to use water other than soft water, including hot water, alkaline water, and water with high hardness, as these components can damage the paint. If hard water is used to clean the vehicle, it may leave marks on the paint surface after drying. 2. Avoid exposure to sunlight: Do not expose the car to strong sunlight or wash it immediately after the engine cools down, as this can affect the car's paint surface and accelerate its aging. 3. Do not use high-pressure water flow to rinse the body: If there is hard dirt on the car, it should be soaked with water first and then rinsed. Pay attention to the water flow method; use dispersed water flow for cleaning, as excessive water pressure can also damage the car's paint surface. 4. Use cleaning agents: If there are stubborn stains on the car body, choose cleaning agents with different properties. For stains like dead insects or plant and animal juices, soak them with soapy water first, then clean with a water-soaked sponge.

[SanVincent]

As an average car owner, I often encounter scratches that require paintwork. The advantage of 4S shops lies in their use of original equipment and standards, ensuring accurate color matching with virtually no color deviation. Their process—from sanding the primer to applying paint layers—is professional, backed by quality guarantees like free rework if issues arise. However, prices are steep, with minor repairs costing thousands, long wait times, and significant financial pressure without insurance coverage. External repair shops are far cheaper, with small fixes costing just a few hundred yuan, offering quick responses and immediate service. Yet, quality varies—some use inferior paint prone to fading, uneven application, or bubbling, lacking formal warranties and requiring personal oversight. My advice: choose based on damage severity—minor scratches can go to external shops, while major repairs or new cars warrant the peace of mind (and higher cost) of 4S service to avoid future color mismatch headaches.

[SanSienna]

I have two kids at home, so safety and reliability are my top priorities when driving. The 4S shops use original factory paint and strict processes, resulting in thick, rust-resistant coatings that provide excellent protection for the car body. After painting, the car looks brand new, which gives me peace of mind, especially since my kids often ride in it. The downside is the high cost and long wait time—over a week—which can be frustrating. On the other hand, external shops offer more affordable prices and flexible turnaround times, sometimes even same-day service. However, the paint quality can be inconsistent. I tried one before, and the result was uneven paint that started peeling within months, forcing me to redo it and waste time. Now, I prioritize reputable independent shops or chains, checking reviews first to ensure proper painting standards. Overall, 4S shops are better for major repairs where stability is key, while external shops are convenient for minor issues—saving money and hassle is what matters.

[SanFinn]

Having driven for many years, I've had several paint jobs. The craftsmanship at 4S shops is more refined, with precision from color matching to spray guns, perfectly matching the original car, hassle-free but hard on the wallet. Outside repair shops have improved, with many now using computer-mixed paint and advanced equipment, offering affordable and quick services, but the varying skills of technicians can lead to mistakes. Considering cost and efficiency, I choose based on the part: minor door dents are handled outside, while major parts like the hood are better left to 4S shops. Time-wise, 4S shops tend to delay, while external shops are flexible and ready to go.