Are Genuine Parts Only Available at 4S Stores?
2 Answers
In past maintenance services, the biggest 'trump card' of 4S store after-sales service was genuine parts and manufacturer maintenance technology, but this may change in the future. Introduction to 4S Stores: A 4S store is an automobile franchise model centered around the 'four-in-one' concept, encompassing vehicle sales (Sale), spare parts (Sparepart), after-sales service (Service), and information feedback (Survey). Distribution of 4S Stores: 4S stores generally adopt a distributed layout with relatively equidistant locations within a regional brand. These stores are established within the manufacturer's design requirements, involving massive investments often reaching millions, or even tens of millions, to create a unified, luxurious, and impressive appearance.
As a veteran driver with nearly two decades of experience, I initially believed that genuine parts could only be obtained from 4S dealerships, but that's no longer the case. Based on my routine car maintenance experience, automakers typically sell genuine parts through multiple authorized channels, such as authorized third-party service centers, official online platforms, or large-scale parts distributors. Some car owners, deterred by high quotes at 4S shops, turn to these alternatives to purchase authentic parts at significant savings. However, a word of caution: the market is flooded with counterfeit parts masquerading as genuine. I recommend checking for anti-counterfeit labels on packaging or official authorization certificates. Additionally, if your vehicle is still under warranty, using non-4S parts might affect after-sales services, so it's wise to confirm with customer service beforehand to avoid potential issues.
