Will 4S shops perform internal rust prevention after sheet metal repair?
3 Answers
Generally not. Under normal circumstances, the protection of electrophoretic paint is sufficient, so they often skip additional protective measures. Nowadays, larger 4S shops will apply wax treatment, which involves spraying a layer of wax inside the sheet metal to compensate for any deficiencies in the electrophoretic coating. Here are some precautions to take after spray painting: 1. Pay attention to cleaning after painting: Try not to use water other than soft water, including hot water, alkaline water, and water with high hardness. 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. Do not expose the car to strong sunlight: This can affect the car's paint surface, accelerating its aging. 3. Do not use high-pressure water flow to rinse the car 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; dispersed water flow should be used for cleaning, as excessive water pressure can also damage the car's paint surface. 4. Use detergents: If there are stubborn stains on the car body, detergents with different properties should be selected. If there are dead insects or other biological juices on the car body, they should first be soaked with soapy water; then cleaned with a water-soaked sponge.
That time when I helped my friend deal with post-accident vehicle repairs, I found that authorized 4S shops do indeed perform internal rustproofing after sheet metal repairs. Specifically, they apply anti-rust wax to the hollow cavities inside the car body, which is like putting an invisible rustproof coat on the vehicle. The reason is that repaired metal is prone to exposure and can rust in humid environments, affecting structural safety. 4S shops use OEM-standard materials to ensure even coating coverage and prevent corrosion spread. Of course, if you encounter irresponsible shops, they might skip this step, leading to potential issues later. So it's best to supervise the repair process on-site or request a maintenance report to check if proper rustproof products were used. For regular maintenance, I also recommend periodic inspections of the chassis and door interiors to detect issues early and extend the vehicle's lifespan.
My car had bodywork done at the 4S dealership last year, and they indeed took the internal rust prevention seriously. After repairing the collision damage, the mechanics sprayed a specialized wax into the frame cavities to prevent moisture intrusion and rust. This is crucial because I live in a coastal city with high humidity, and cars that weren't properly repaired in the past tended to rust through. 4S dealerships generally follow the original manufacturer's procedures, using specialized equipment to ensure full coverage. However, I must warn you that if you're on a tight budget, smaller shops might skip this step, creating potential hazards. After the repair, I learned to check the maintenance records to confirm rust prevention details, ensuring safe driving. This has helped avoid additional repair costs caused by corrosion.
