Can car maintenance be done without going to a 4S shop?
3 Answers
Car maintenance can be performed without going to a 4S shop. Even during the warranty period, car owners have the right to choose their own maintenance locations, and the warranty remains valid outside of 4S shops, which helps reduce maintenance costs. However, there are certain risks in practice, such as the need to retain maintenance invoices, repair records, and certificates for replaced parts. Additional information: 1. On August 8, 2015, the Ministry of Transport amended the "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Maintenance," stating that the car owner has the right to independently choose a maintenance provider. Except for car manufacturers fulfilling recall obligations or the "three guarantees" (repair, replacement, or refund) for car quality, no entity or individual may force or covertly force the designation of a maintenance provider. 2. The advantage of non-4S repair shops is their lower prices. Some cities have specialized repair shops where car maintenance can be completed quickly, saving the owner valuable time. However, a major drawback is the potential delay in obtaining genuine parts due to the lack of professional spare parts guarantees. Another disadvantage is the risk of disputes arising from the use of substandard parts by repair shops, which could affect the car's maintenance and quality assurance.
To be honest, after driving for eight years, I haven't gone to a 4S shop for maintenance for a long time. The key is to find the right place. I've been getting my car serviced at the same auto repair shop for almost five years. The mechanic used to work at a 4S shop, and basic maintenance like oil and filter changes costs half as much as at a 4S shop. However, when it comes to complex issues like strange noises from the transmission, I still go to the 4S shop because they work on the same models every day and have more relevant experience. Remember, keeping maintenance records is especially important. I always ask for invoices and work orders, which not only protect my rights but also serve as a reference for future repairs.
My neighbor Old Zhang has been driving a taxi for over 20 years, and his golden saying is 'Cars are ruined by repairs, not by driving.' He never goes to 4S shops for maintenance, preferring a small couple-run shop near our neighborhood that's been around for over a decade. The owner's wife even remembers which parts were replaced last time. Old Zhang says the key is building long-term trust—now they even proactively check his wiper blades for him. However, he also advises keeping new cars under 4S shop maintenance for the first three years to avoid voiding the warranty. Last time he helped me replace brake pads, the veteran mechanic casually lubricated the caliper guide pins—a detail that chain quick-service shops would never notice.
