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A new car should arrive with its original factory paint on every panel. Cars get scratched or dented in transit and in dealer storage, and some are quietly repainted before delivery. A repainted panel is not always a disaster, but you have the right to know about it before you sign the delivery papers.
Why Paint Checks Matter at Delivery
Once you accept delivery, it becomes very hard to prove that damage happened before the car was yours. Repaint work can also hide deeper problems such as a replaced panel or filler over a dent. Checking the paint takes about fifteen minutes and gives you a clear record before you pay.
What You Need
- Good daylight, or a bright torch if the delivery bay is dim
- A digital paint depth gauge (an inspector brings one)
- Your phone camera, to photograph anything you find
Step-by-Step Paint Check
Walk around the car slowly and check every panel: bonnet, roof, boot lid, all four doors, all four fenders and both bumpers.
1. Check the Panel Gaps
The gaps between panels should be even along their whole length and match on both sides of the car. A gap that is wider at one end usually means a panel was removed or refitted.
2. Measure the Paint Depth
Take three readings on each panel with the gauge. Factory paint is applied by robots, so readings stay very consistent across the car.
3. Look for Overspray and Colour Mismatch
Look at the rubber seals, plastic trims and badges next to each panel. Fine paint dust on them is overspray from a repair. Also check the colour from an angle in daylight: a repainted panel often looks slightly lighter or darker.
Reading the Results
| Paint reading | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 80–140 µm | Original factory paint |
| 150–250 µm | Panel repainted once |
| 250+ µm | Filler or heavy repair work underneath |
What to Do If a Panel Was Repainted
Do not sign the delivery note yet. Photograph the readings, ask the dealer in writing what work was done and why, and ask for a different vehicle or a written commitment before you accept this one.
A CarParakh inspector can run this full paint check, and 300+ other checks, at the dealership before you take delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a repainted panel on a new car normal?expand_more
Small touch-ups happen, but the dealer should tell you before delivery. You can ask for a different car or a written explanation before accepting it.
Can I check the paint without a gauge?expand_more
Panel gaps, overspray and colour mismatch can be checked by eye, but only a paint depth gauge confirms a repaint reliably.