What is the difference between sheet metal painting at a 4S shop and a repair shop?
2 Answers
Here are the specific differences between sheet metal painting at a 4S shop and a repair shop: 1. Paint quality: The supporting equipment at 4S shops is more advanced, offering greater advantages in paint mixing and color matching for high-end cars. 2. Workmanship: The paintwork at 4S shops is more refined and exquisite compared to that at ordinary repair shops. 3. Equipment: The painting equipment at 4S shops is more professional than that at repair shops. Below is additional information on car paint maintenance: 1. Waxing: Waxing forms a protective wax layer on the car's surface, isolating the paint from the external environment to prevent oxidation and fading. New cars do not need waxing within the first 3 months of purchase, and excessive waxing can damage the paint—it is recommended to wax at most once every two months. When waxing, apply evenly and maintain consistent direction. 2. Crystal coating: Crystal coating creates a strong fiber network on the paint surface, filling microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye, achieving a mirror-like effect. It adds a thin diamond-hard shell to the paint, increasing the hardness of the original coating and protecting the paint from damage.
I recently had my car dented and went for bodywork and repainting. I feel that 4S shops are more professional—they use original paint materials and equipment, and their technicians are trained by the brand. After repairs, the color matches perfectly, the surface is smooth, and the damage is almost unnoticeable. They also offer a warranty period, with free rework if issues arise. Repair shops are cheaper, but they might use non-original materials, such as generic paint or second-hand parts. The paint job may have color discrepancies or bubbles, and the quality is less consistent. Their after-sales service is weaker, leading to more disputes later. Additionally, 4S shops are more environmentally compliant, reducing pollution. Overall, if it's a new car or you want to preserve its original value, paying extra is worth it. But if you're on a tight budget, repair shops aren’t bad either. However, 4S shops have slow scheduling—waiting three to five days is common—while repair shops are more flexible, offering urgent service with pickup the next day.