Will the Paint Chip When Opening a Car Door and Hitting Another Door?
3 Answers
Generally, opening a car door and hitting another door won't cause the paint to chip, but excessive force may cause some damage. The automotive paint application process involves the following two steps: Base Coat: Pearl silver base coat is applied in three layers. The first layer is a mist spray, where the spray gun moves quickly to create a thin, fog-like coating over the repair area or the entire vehicle, ensuring adhesion to the primer. The second layer covers the primer or filler to reveal the color, avoiding issues like uneven color or blotches, with the spray gun moving slightly faster. The third layer corrects any unevenness or blotches from the second layer. The goal is to achieve uniform color coverage over the repair area or the entire vehicle. Clear Coat: After applying the base coat, wait 5–15 minutes for the solvents to partially evaporate and the coating to dry before applying the clear coat. You can test by lightly touching the coating—if no color transfers, it's ready for the clear coat. If the base coat surface is rough or dusty, use a tack cloth and compressed air to clean it, followed by a degreaser.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I've witnessed numerous parking incidents. Opening a car door against another vehicle's door can easily cause paint damage unless it's just a light brush. Once in a crowded mall parking lot, I exited my car too hastily—my door struck the corner of the adjacent car's door with a screech. Inspection revealed a coin-sized patch of missing paint on their door, exposing bare metal with slight denting. The repair required filler application, sanding, and repainting, costing over 300 yuan. Since that lesson, I always maintain at least 30cm clearance when parking and now open doors slowly by bracing them with my hand to prevent sudden swings. Modern car paints are thin and brittle—metal contact easily chips them. I recommend drivers develop cautious habits, especially in tight spaces, using cameras to gauge clearance and minimize disputes. Minor damages aren't worth the compensation hassle.
As a new car owner, last time in a narrow parking garage, I misjudged while opening my car door and lightly tapped the edge of a Mercedes-Benz's door next to me—just a faint 'click' sound. Upon closer inspection, a small patch of paint had chipped off their door, revealing a white primer spot underneath. Panicked, I immediately apologized, and fortunately, the other party was understanding, but the touch-up paint later cost over 200 yuan. This incident taught me that car paint, though seemingly tough, is actually prone to cracking upon impact. A stronger force can easily chip the paint or leave dents. Now when parking, I always survey my surroundings first; I open doors carefully with a hand guiding them, moving slowly to prevent them from swinging out abruptly. It's best to choose spacious spots in parking lots or park toward the outer edges. In short, caution ensures longevity—avoiding both financial loss and awkward situations. Regular maintenance like applying wax can also help protect the paint surface.
