Will the 4S store provide any compensation for rust on a new car?
4 Answers
Currently, there are no relevant regulations stipulating compensation for such situations. However, if this issue occurs with a new car, compensation can generally be negotiated with the 4S store. Below are the reasons for car rust: Humid environment: If the vehicle is submerged in water for a long time, it may affect performance at best or cause rust and decay at worst. Design flaws in the vehicle itself: Incomplete structural design during the planning phase, such as sharp corners or dead angles in the sheet metal, may lead to insufficient electroplating of the car body. Alternatively, inadequate consideration in the process design may result in incomplete electroplating and wax injection procedures for the sheet metal.
For rust on a new car, the 4S store might indeed offer compensation, depending on your purchase contract and warranty terms. New cars usually come with a three-year comprehensive warranty. If the rust is due to manufacturing defects, such as insufficient anti-rust coating or material issues, the 4S store will handle it for free or provide repairs. If the rust appears early, they might even replace the part or offer service vouchers as compensation. However, if the rust is caused by improper use, like long-term parking in humid conditions, compensation is less likely. I recommend visiting the 4S store immediately for an inspection, bringing your purchase invoice, and requesting a report. Under consumer protection laws, you have the right to a reasonable solution. Delaying will only worsen the rust and compromise safety. Regular car washes with attention to undercarriage cleaning can help prevent such issues.
If a new car rusts, from a technical perspective, the 4S shop is likely to offer compensation. Rust usually stems from failed body coatings or moisture intrusion, which falls under factory quality issues. During the warranty period, the 4S shop is responsible for free diagnosis and repairs, such as sanding and repainting or replacing rusted parts. Compensation may include small perks, like a complimentary maintenance session or detailing service, reducing your additional expenses. However, you must prove it's a factory issue rather than environmental factors, such as exposure to salty roads or acid rain. I took a friend to a similar case, and after inspection, the 4S shop confirmed the defect and compensated for the repair costs. Acting promptly is crucial—take photos of the rust spots to expedite the process. Parking away from damp areas and installing underbody armor can also help prevent rust.
I discovered rust on my new car just a few months after purchase and drove straight to the 4S dealership to inquire. Their service attitude was decent, and after inspection, they identified it as minor localized corrosion and handled it for free. Compensation typically isn't given in cash but rather as repair or service credits, such as a complimentary inspection or a slight warranty extension. For new cars under warranty that develop rust, most 4S dealerships will cooperate to resolve the issue. In my case, the rust spots were near the rear wheels—the technician ground them down and applied anti-rust paint, also giving me a free car wash voucher. If the rust is severe or recurs multiple times, you should be more assertive to potentially secure greater compensation. Remember to keep purchase records and photos to facilitate the dealership's assessment. Untreated rust can spread.
