Can Maintenance Be Done Outside 4S Stores?
2 Answers
Yes. Since 2017, the "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair" stipulate that manufacturers and 4S stores cannot refuse warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an officially authorized shop. Car owners are free to choose repair shops for maintenance. Except for automobile manufacturers fulfilling their responsibilities for defective vehicle recalls and the "Three Guarantees" for vehicle quality, no individual or entity may force or indirectly designate maintenance service providers. Here are some relevant details: 1. Precautions for maintenance outside 4S stores: When performing maintenance at external auto repair shops, it is essential to retain maintenance invoices, repair records, and certificates for replaced parts. This ensures proof of maintenance in case of quality issues and prevents 4S stores from refusing warranty claims due to lack of documentation. 2. Purpose of maintenance: Vehicle maintenance aims to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, slow deterioration, and extend the vehicle's lifespan. 3. Maintenance intervals: Refer to the vehicle's user manual for specific intervals, as they vary by model. Generally, the first maintenance is due at 5,000 kilometers or 3 months (whichever comes first) from the purchase date. Subsequent maintenance should occur every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. Always monitor your vehicle's condition and maintain a regular maintenance schedule.
I just helped a friend with this recently. During the warranty period, it's best to do maintenance at the 4S shop. The manufacturer requires regular maintenance as per the manual, otherwise they might easily shirk responsibility if engine issues arise. My experience is that after the warranty expires, you can choose a reliable repair shop, but pay attention to three points: whether the technician is familiar with your car model, ensure consumables like engine oil and filters are genuine, and remember to ask them to print a complete work order with a seal. Last time I saw a case where a car owner experienced jerking after changing transmission oil at a third-party shop, and the 4S shop found that inferior oil caused valve body damage after checking records, leading to six months of disputes. So if you really want to do maintenance outside, it's recommended to check the repair shop's brand authorization qualifications.
