Can car maintenance be done outside of 4S stores?
2 Answers
Car maintenance can be performed outside of 4S stores, and you may choose reputable repair shops based on your needs. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts, also known as vehicle upkeep. Its purposes are: 1. To keep the vehicle clean and tidy; 2. To ensure good technical condition, eliminate potential hazards, and prevent failures; 3. To slow down the deterioration of components and extend their service life. Common car maintenance tasks include: 1. Replacing the cabin air filter, engine air filter, oil filter, and engine oil; 2. Cleaning the throttle body, fuel injectors, and fuel lines; 3. Inspecting brake pads and tire wear.
I often arrange car maintenance myself and avoid dealerships to save a lot of money. Dealerships are usually much more expensive—for simple services like oil and filter changes, local repair shops charge half the price. As long as you pick reputable shops, such as ISO-certified chain quick-service stores with experienced technicians and genuine parts, the results are similar. During the warranty period, it's best to stick with dealerships, or the automaker might not honor claims if issues arise. But after the warranty expires, it's completely fine—I’ve even picked up small skills like checking brake pads. Overall, it’s very practical—just be sure to check reviews in advance and avoid cutting corners for cheap deals.
