Can New Cars Be Serviced Outside?
2 Answers
New cars can be serviced outside. However, if the new car is within the warranty period, only by returning to the 4S store for maintenance and servicing according to the specified time and mileage can the warranty service be enjoyed. Otherwise, it will be regarded as voluntarily giving up the warranty. Maintenance Cycle: The 4S store will formulate the vehicle maintenance cycle based on the actual local driving conditions. For some components, the maintenance cycle may differ from the one recommended in the official manual. Maintenance Precautions: If the local environment is harsh or the road conditions are poor, the maintenance cycle should be appropriately shortened, especially for the air filter element and the air conditioning filter element. Also, the quality and model of various fluids must not be mistaken, and fluids with appropriate models and better quality should be selected. The replacement of brake pads, wiper blades, batteries, tires, etc., depends on the wear condition, so regular checks are necessary. Maintenance Items: Mainly include changing the engine oil and oil filter, replacing the air conditioning filter element as needed, checking the battery, brake pedal and parking brake, brake pads and brake discs, brake fluid, clutch fluid, tires and tire pressure, as well as lights, horn, wipers, and washers.
As someone with over a decade of car repair experience, I've seen many new car owners choose to go to external repair shops. New cars usually come with manufacturer warranties upon purchase, and getting repairs done at unauthorized locations may affect the warranty terms, leading to difficulties in claiming for subsequent issues. For example, last year, a friend of mine had the engine light come on in their new car and took it to a repair shop at the neighborhood entrance. The shop used non-original parts, and later, the dealership directly refused the free repair claim. While external shops may offer lower costs, faster service, and save time and money, their technical levels and part quality can vary greatly, potentially causing long-term issues. Especially for new cars still under warranty, it's advisable to prioritize authorized dealership service centers to avoid losing more than gaining. Once the warranty period is over, going to a reliable external shop can be more reassuring, as long-term maintenance costs are also important.
