Can I Enjoy the Three Guarantees Without Maintenance at a 4S Shop?

[RonanFitz]

Not going to a 4S shop for maintenance does not affect the three guarantees. As long as the first maintenance of a new car is done at a 4S shop, subsequent maintenance can be performed elsewhere without losing the three guarantees. However, if a new car owner fails to have the first maintenance done at the designated 4S shop or manufacturer-authorized service station within the specified mileage, and the car develops issues, even within the warranty period, the owner may have to bear certain repair costs. Below is relevant information: 1. During the warranty period: During the car's warranty period, as long as the fault or part damage occurs under normal usage conditions as specified, the manufacturer will provide free repair or replacement of corresponding parts. 3. Three guarantees policy: The car three guarantees policy is a retail business practice where the seller provides 'repair, replacement, and refund' guarantees for sold products.

[MarianaFitz]

I specifically looked up the policy on this matter. In fact, national regulations clearly state that the three-guarantee policy is not tied to 4S店 maintenance. I had a car that was serviced at a friend's repair shop, where I made sure the mechanic used genuine OEM oil and kept stamped maintenance receipts. Later, when the air conditioning compressor failed within the warranty period, the 4S店 saw the complete maintenance records and replaced it for free without any questions. However, there's a potential pitfall—if a small shop uses substandard oil that causes engine seizure, the manufacturer has every right to refuse compensation. The key is whether the parts used during non-4S店 maintenance come from legitimate channels and whether the work was performed properly. It's crucial to keep all invoices and maintenance records for each service, as these are your solid evidence when enforcing the three-guarantee rights.

[Maci]

Let me tell you the honest truth as an experienced driver: As long as you follow the maintenance schedule in the manual, it doesn't matter where you get it done. My buddy's SUV had all its maintenance done at quick-service shops after the first service, and when the turbocharger made strange noises at 50,000 kilometers, it still got replaced for free. But don't go for cheap roadside stalls—make sure to choose certified shops, and always ask for detailed work orders and parts invoices after each service. Pay special attention to core maintenance like oil and filter changes; it's best to watch the technician perform these tasks. If the manufacturer really wants to scrutinize, they mainly check whether the failure was caused by improper maintenance. If you damaged the transmission by installing substandard aftermarket parts yourself, then not even a miracle could save you.

[OIan]

At first, I was also intimidated by the 4S dealership, being told that skipping their maintenance would void the warranty. Once, when my window regulator failed, I took the complete records from a chain maintenance shop to argue my case. The manager checked the maintenance receipts and found all parts used met the required standards, ultimately replacing the assembly without fuss. Experience is the best teacher! Now, I pay special attention to three things when maintaining my car: strictly following the maintenance manual's required schedule, ensuring the shop notes the brand and model of parts used during each service, and keeping all receipts and invoices in a dedicated folder. These documents stack up to half a finger's thickness, but they're my safeguard when it counts.

[Willis]

As a modification enthusiast, I must remind you: the three guarantees (repair, replacement, and refund) are not related to the maintenance location, but modifications may void them! Last time I flashed the ECU, the engine warning light came on, and the 4S dealership directly said unauthorized modifications aren't covered under warranty. Even if you get maintenance done at their shop, it won't help. For regular maintenance, just remember two key points: strictly follow the intervals in the maintenance manual, and keep receipts for every service. If a genuine malfunction occurs, the manufacturer will determine if it was caused by maintenance – for example, if substandard brake pads installed at an outside shop caused an accident, you naturally couldn't claim compensation. For routine maintenance, I make it a habit to record video evidence, and it's even safer to photograph the anti-counterfeiting code on the oil container and the maintenance process with your phone.