Can I Pick Up My Car on Weekends?
3 Answers
You can pick up your car on weekends, but it is generally not recommended. Although most 4S stores are open on weekends, the vehicle management office is closed, so temporary license plate procedures may not be processed on weekends. Therefore, if you plan to pick up your car on a weekend, it is best to make an appointment in advance and inform the 4S store to help you apply for a temporary license plate beforehand. This way, you can pick up your car directly on the weekend. Here are some precautions when picking up your car at a 4S store: The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found on the front windshield and the frame under the engine hood. When picking up your car, make sure to check that the VINs match. Additionally, check for any scratches on the car's paint. During transportation or warehouse transfers, new cars may inevitably suffer minor scratches. If you notice any paint damage or signs of repainting, you can request a replacement. Ensure to review the vehicle's certificate of conformity, original invoice, original registration form, and original tax declaration form. It's advisable to start the engine and check if any warning lights appear on the dashboard. Moreover, new cars without temporary license plates are not allowed on the road. Therefore, when purchasing a new car, you must have a temporary license plate. Here are several ways to obtain a temporary license plate: Have the 4S store staff handle it when picking up the car: Nowadays, you don't need to go to the vehicle management office to apply for a temporary license plate for a new car. The 4S store can handle the process directly, saving the owner a lot of trouble. Simply provide the necessary documents to the 4S store, and they will take care of it. Apply for a temporary license plate at the vehicle management office: If you choose to go to the vehicle management office, you need to fill out an application form at the counter, submit the car's certificate of conformity, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance, the purchase invoice, your ID card, and copies of these documents. After review, you can pay the fee and receive the temporary license plate. Online application: You can also apply for a temporary license plate via the "Traffic Management 12123" app. Open the app, go to [More] - [Vehicle Services] - [Apply for New Car Temporary License Plate] - [Application Area], find your city, then enter your [Detailed Address] and [Postal Code]. After submission, the temporary license plate will be mailed to you.
Whether you can pick up the car this weekend mainly depends on the specific arrangements of the dealership. From the cases I've encountered, most reputable dealerships are open on Saturdays, operating from 9 AM to 5 PM, which is convenient for working professionals. However, they may be closed on Sundays, especially in smaller towns or due to chain store policies. I recommend checking the dealership's official website or app first, as many now offer online appointment features to save you a wasted trip. Remember to prepare your ID, purchase invoice, and a copy of your driver's license in advance, as these are essential. On busy weekends, queues might be longer—I've seen friends delayed for over an hour due to incomplete paperwork. For safety, ensure your insurance is active before pickup to avoid driving risks. Overall, weekend pickup is absolutely feasible—just confirm all details in one go.
Let me share my personal experience about picking up a car on weekends. As a long-term car owner, I also chose Saturday for my last vehicle replacement because I couldn't spare time on weekdays. I called the dealership one day in advance to confirm their opening hours and avoid crowds. The staff were quite professional - they helped inspect the car body and tire conditions, and even gave me some daily maintenance tips. But be warned: incomplete insurance or missing documents can delay the process - once I forgot to bring a copy of the purchase contract and wasted half an hour. The advantage of weekends is the relaxed atmosphere for test drives, and some dealers even offer perks like free car wash vouchers. I recommend checking details with the dealership's customer service beforehand rather than relying solely on online information.