Can maintenance be done outside of a 4S shop?
4 Answers
Maintenance can be performed outside of a 4S shop, but the engine oil, parts, etc., used in 4S shops are officially recognized and come with a warranty period, making them more worry-free and safe. Precautions for maintenance outside of a 4S shop: It is best to observe the entire maintenance process to avoid the repair shop using substandard engine oil or unqualified parts. Typically, the air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter are collectively referred to as the "three filters." Many vehicles require maintenance every 5,000 kilometers or so, and some repair shops recommend replacing all three filters during each maintenance session to increase profits. Some repair shops may even cut corners and replace only two at most. In reality, most car manufacturers recommend replacing them every 5,000 kilometers, but this also depends on the vehicle's usage and maintenance conditions. If the car frequently drives on rural dirt roads or travels long distances in hilly areas, the filters should be replaced every 2,000 kilometers. If the car is well-maintained and primarily driven in urban areas, they can be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. Generally, the three filters should be replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers, meaning replacing them every other maintenance session is sufficient. If the car has difficulty starting, the throttle may be dirty, and the repair shop may recommend a "three-wash" service.
I personally believe that skipping maintenance at 4S shops is completely fine, the key is finding the right place. I've been driving for ten years and never go to 4S shops for maintenance—the money saved is enough for a new set of tires. Nowadays, reputable chain repair shops outside use genuine parts, and the prices can be 30% cheaper. However, there are two pieces of advice: first, always ask for a detailed maintenance list and invoice, as these are proof for rights protection; second, basic maintenance like oil changes can be done outside, but for transmission fluid changes or major engine repairs, it's still recommended to go back to the 4S shop. Just the other day, I replaced the air filter at a repair shop downstairs—the technician was quick and charged just over a hundred, while the 4S shop quoted double that.
My neighbor, a car repair technician, told me that there are now national regulations preventing 4S shops from monopolizing car maintenance. As long as the repair shop is qualified and uses qualified parts, car owners are completely free to choose. However, it's important to note that for new cars within the warranty period, it's best to do the first three maintenance services at a 4S shop to avoid future disputes. Nowadays, many brand-specific repair shops are even more professional than 4S shops. The repair station I went to last week had technicians with over a decade of experience, all equipment was imported from Germany, and the key point is their excellent service attitude—they even gave out car wash vouchers.
As a seasoned driver, I'll give it to you straight: don't waste money on dealerships for older cars! My 100,000-kilometer Focus now gets serviced at the neighborhood garage - just book ahead to skip queues, and the owner even does free brake pad inspections. Keep all maintenance receipts; nowadays apps can track them directly. The real money-saver is bringing your own oil outside - I use full synthetic for 30% less than the dealership's semi-synthetic. But for electronic system issues, I still go to the dealership since their diagnostic equipment is more comprehensive.
