Can maintenance be done outside of 4S dealerships?
3 Answers
Maintenance can be performed outside of 4S dealerships, but it must be done at qualified service centers using verified safe components. This serves as crucial evidence for protecting consumer rights. If maintenance is conducted at licensed repair shops with proper invoices, 4S dealerships cannot subsequently deny warranty claims using "unauthorized maintenance" as an excuse. Vehicle maintenance, also known as automotive servicing, refers to periodic preventive work involving inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment or replacement of certain components. It primarily covers engine systems, transmission systems, air conditioning systems, etc., aiming to maintain vehicle cleanliness, proper technical conditions, hazard elimination, failure prevention, and extended service life.
Last time I skipped the dealership for maintenance and went to a local repair shop recommended by a friend, saving nearly half the cost! The mechanic thoroughly checked routine items like engine oil and oil filter, and even proactively warned me about brake pad wear. Honestly, as long as you keep proper maintenance receipts and parts invoices from licensed shops, it doesn't affect the vehicle warranty at all. Over the past three years, I've done five external services – each time bringing my own full-synthetic oil, with the mechanic only charging labor fees. The key is finding a certified repair shop, preferably sticking with the same technician who becomes familiar with your car's condition for more precise servicing. It's way more convenient than waiting half a day at dealerships, offering excellent cost performance. I recommend trying DIY parts procurement at trustworthy shops for basic maintenance.
When I first bought the car, I always thought I had to go to the 4S shop, but later found the maintenance costs too expensive. Now I go to a chain quick repair shop near my neighborhood, and with advance booking, there's basically no waiting. Last week during a minor service, the mechanic checked my battery life and found it was only at 30%, so I replaced it in time. Actually, repair shops nowadays have very advanced equipment and can handle basic services perfectly well. However, I’d like to remind everyone that for core parts replacements, it’s best to use original parts and keep the maintenance receipts to ensure the warranty remains valid. I’m in the habit of setting maintenance reminders on my phone, changing the engine oil every 8,000 kilometers, and after three years, the car’s condition has been kept quite well, saving me over 5,000 yuan compared to the 4S shop. When choosing a repair shop, it’s advisable to check if they have manufacturer-authorized qualifications.
