Do 4S shops provide replacement cars during vehicle maintenance?

[LeEva]

4S shops will provide replacement cars if the repair time exceeds 5 days, as stipulated by national regulations. Article 19 of the "Regulations on the Repair, Replacement, and Return of Household Automotive Products" states: During the warranty period of household automotive products, if the repair time (including waiting time for spare parts) exceeds 5 days due to product quality issues, the consumer shall be provided with a replacement car or reasonable transportation cost compensation. Here are additional details: 1. Article 8 stipulates: Manufacturers shall strictly implement the factory inspection system; household automotive products that have not passed inspection shall not be sold. 2. Article 9 stipulates: Manufacturers shall file basic information, vehicle model information, designated sales and repair network details, product manuals, warranty certificates, maintenance manuals, dispute resolution for warranty liabilities, and return/exchange information related to household automotive products with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and update the filing promptly when information changes. 3. Article 10 stipulates: Household automotive products shall have a Chinese product qualification certificate or relevant proof, along with product manuals, warranty certificates, maintenance manuals, and other accompanying documents.

[DiLane]

I remember last year when my car was at the 4S shop for a transmission overhaul, the service manager mentioned that for any major repairs exceeding two days, they provide a complimentary loaner car. That time, it was a Nissan of the same model, driving just like my own car, and the best part was that insurance and paperwork were all covered. However, this isn’t a universal policy across all dealerships. For minor repairs or shorter durations, they might only suggest reimbursing taxi fares. So now, I always call ahead to confirm the loaner car arrangements before sending my car in, avoiding last-minute hassles. Premium brands like Lexus offer even more comprehensive services, integrating it into their standard procedures and prioritizing long-term customers, making the whole process from communication to car usage seamless. Not having a loaner car can be quite troublesome, requiring adjustments to daily commutes and school runs—confirming the policy beforehand is definitely a lesson learned.

[Yolanda]

As a frequent visitor to 4S shops, I've found that the provision of courtesy cars during repairs depends on the brand and service agreement. Premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW usually offer standard services, including loaner cars or rental services; mainstream brands may charge extra or only provide them for major repairs. The application process is straightforward—just mention your need for a courtesy car when booking the service, and the staff will arrange one based on available inventory. It's essential to confirm insurance coverage in advance to ensure worry-free driving. Policies vary significantly, so checking the official website or inquiring directly at the dealership is advisable to avoid misunderstandings. Generally, for major repairs lasting over a day, most dealerships will offer support to ease customer inconvenience.

[McAva]

To find out if the 4S shop provides a replacement car during maintenance, the key is to communicate in advance. Before the repair, call and ask the staff if they offer a replacement car service; if available, inquire about the conditions, such as the free range, vehicle options, or alternative transportation reimbursement. Bring your driver's license and documents on the day to facilitate the procedures and avoid delays. Longer repairs, such as those lasting three days or more, are more likely to offer this service, while minor repairs may not. If no replacement car is available, ask if they can recommend a partner for car rental—this method is practical. Direct dialogue is more reliable than imagined, ensuring smooth service.