Can a New Car Still Enjoy Warranty Without Maintenance at 4S Stores?
3 Answers
Maintenance not performed at 4S stores does not void the vehicle's warranty. Evidence: The key is to choose a qualified auto repair shop and retain maintenance records. During the warranty period, owners can freely choose where to service their vehicles, but it must be done at a qualified repair facility with proper documentation kept. If issues arise, these records can be used to claim warranty service. Warranty Period: The new car warranty lasts for two years or 60,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. This means the warranty expires upon meeting either condition: reaching the 2-year time limit or the 60,000-kilometer mileage limit.
As an experienced driver who has owned several new cars, I must say that the new car warranty is quite important. Generally, the warranty is provided by the car manufacturer, and even if you don't service your car at a 4S dealership, it doesn't necessarily become void immediately. The key factors are the quality of maintenance and the manufacturer's terms—China's Three Guarantees policy clearly states that owners can choose qualified repair shops, but they must use genuine parts and follow standard procedures, keeping invoices and maintenance records. Otherwise, if the car develops a fault, the manufacturer might refuse warranty coverage on the grounds of improper maintenance. From my experience, it's fine to save money by going to non-4S shops for routine minor maintenance, but make sure all records are complete. For major issues like engine failure, it's best to return to a 4S dealership for inspection. Don't ignore risks just to save a few bucks—it's better to play it safe during the warranty period, as it can save you a lot on repair costs. Regularly checking the warranty manual is also practical to avoid unexpected losses.
After buying a new car, I wanted to save money and chose a reputable independent shop instead of the dealership for maintenance—it was much cheaper. Everything went smoothly at first, but then the engine light came on, which gave me a scare—I was worried the warranty might be void. After consulting a mechanic, I learned that the warranty isn’t automatically voided; the key lies in ensuring the maintenance process is compliant and properly documented. For example, using the manufacturer-specified oil brand and keeping receipts as proof. If a major issue arises, the manufacturer might try to shift blame, but legally, they bear the burden of proof to show that the problem was caused by your maintenance. For beginners, I’d recommend sticking with the dealership initially to get familiar with the process before considering alternatives. The money saved might not be worth the hassle if disputes arise. Paying attention to the details in the maintenance manual ensures peace of mind while driving.
