Do Dealerships Fix Paint Chips? (Solved 2023)

Dealerships offer a range of services to their customers, including repair and maintenance services for their vehicles. One common issue that many vehicle owners face is paint chips on their car’s exterior, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as rocks, debris, or weather conditions.

Dealerships may offer paint chip repair services to their customers, either through their service department or through partnerships with professional paint and body shops. The repair process typically involves filling in the chipped area with touch-up paint or a resin filler, and then smoothing and buffing the surface to restore the appearance of the paint.

Depending on the severity and location of the paint chips, the repair process can vary in cost and time required. Some dealerships may offer paint chip repair as a standalone service, while others may bundle it with other detailing or maintenance services. It’s always recommended to check with the dealership or service center to confirm the availability and cost of paint chip repair services.

Will My Dealership Still Fix Paint Chips Even If They Don’t Have A Paint Shop On-Site?

Dealerships may still offer paint chip repair services even if they don’t have a paint shop on-site. In such cases, they may partner with local professional paint and body shops to provide these services to their customers.

Dealerships typically have a network of trusted partners and vendors that they work with to provide a range of services to their customers. These partners may include local paint and body shops that specialize in paint chip repair and other detailing services. The dealership may coordinate the repair process and act as a liaison between the customer and the paint shop, to ensure that the repair is done to the customer’s satisfaction.

It’s always recommended to check with the dealership or service center to confirm the availability and cost of paint chip repair services, and whether they work with a partner paint shop for such services. This information can help you make an informed decision on where to get your vehicle repaired for paint chips or other exterior damage.

Should I Pay For Chipped Paint Repairs At The Dealership?

Whether or not you should pay for chipped paint repairs at a dealership depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Warranty coverage: If your vehicle is still under warranty, check if paint chips are covered. If they are, then getting the repairs done at the dealership may be a good idea, as it will be covered by the warranty.

• Cost: Dealerships may charge more for paint chip repairs than independent repair shops. Get a quote from the dealership and compare it to quotes from other shops to determine which option is more cost-effective.

• Expertise: Dealerships typically have trained and certified technicians who are familiar with your specific make and model of vehicle. This may give you more peace of mind that the repairs will be done correctly.

• Convenience: If you’re already planning on taking your vehicle to the dealership for other services, it may be more convenient to get the paint chip repairs done at the same time.

Ultimately, the decision to pay for chipped paint repairs at a dealership is up to you. Consider the above factors and make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances.

How Much Do Paint Chip Repairs Cost?

The cost of paint chip repairs at a dealership can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific dealership. Generally, paint chip repairs can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. If the damage is minor and can be easily touched up with paint, the cost may be relatively low. However, if the damage is more extensive and requires more extensive repairs, such as blending or repainting a larger area, the cost can be much higher.

It’s important to note that dealership prices for paint chip repairs can often be higher than prices at independent auto body shops or paint shops. It’s recommended to shop around and compare prices from different providers before making a decision on where to get the repairs done. Additionally, some insurance policies may cover the cost of paint chip repairs, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage.

Repairing Paint Chips

Here are the steps to repair paint chips on your vehicle:

Clean the area around the chip: Begin by cleaning the area around the paint chip with soap and water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the chip.

Sand the chip

Once the area is clean, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the edges of the chip. This will help smooth out any rough edges and create a clean surface for the touch-up paint to adhere to.

Apply touch-up paint

Apply the touch-up paint to the chip using a small brush or toothpick. Make sure to apply the paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Let the paint dry

Once the paint is applied, let it dry completely. This can take several hours or even overnight.

Polish the area

After the paint is dry, use a polishing compound to buff the area around the chip. This will help blend the touch-up paint into the surrounding area and give the repaired area a smooth finish.

Wax the area

Finally, apply a coat of wax to the repaired area to help protect the new paint and give it a shiny finish.

Can Paint Chip Repairs Wait?

While paint chips may seem like a small issue, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Leaving paint chips unrepaired can lead to further damage to the affected area, such as rust or corrosion, which can be more costly to repair in the long run. Additionally, chipped paint can affect the overall appearance and value of your vehicle.

That being said, if you’re unable to get the paint chip repaired immediately, there are a few temporary solutions that you can use to prevent further damage. For example, you can apply a clear coat or touch-up paint to the affected area to protect it from exposure to the elements. You can also use a paint chip repair kit, which includes materials to fill in and cover the chip until you’re able to get it professionally repaired.

It’s important to keep in mind that these temporary solutions are not a long-term fix and should only be used as a temporary measure until you can get the chip professionally repaired.