Do 4S shops provide replacement vehicles during car repairs?
2 Answers
During the warranty period of household automotive products, if the repair time (including waiting time for spare parts) exceeds 5 days due to quality issues, the 4S shop is required to provide a replacement vehicle or reasonable transportation cost compensation. Additional information: Article 21 of the "Regulations on the Repair, Replacement, and Return of Household Automotive Products" states that within the three-guarantee validity period of household automotive products, if the cumulative repair time exceeds 35 days due to quality issues, or if the same quality issue requires more than 5 repairs, consumers can request a replacement from the seller with the three-guarantee certificate and purchase invoice. The following situations are not counted in the aforementioned repair time: time required for transporting special parts such as customized anti-theft systems based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or full vehicle wiring harnesses; the range of special parts is specified by the manufacturer on the three-guarantee certificate; time spent on roadside assistance.
When I went to the 4S shop for car repair that day, I asked if they had a replacement vehicle. The service advisor said that for most brands, if the repair takes a long time or falls under warranty coverage, they would provide a free replacement car or taxi reimbursement. My repair took three days, and they gave me a loaner car, which was convenient for commuting to work and picking up my kids. This is quite common, especially with premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, where it's easier to arrange to avoid disrupting daily routines. However, it depends on the specific dealership's policy—some smaller shops or non-core repair services might not offer it, so it's best to confirm details when making an appointment to avoid last-minute hassles. I recommend calling ahead to ask about the specifics and understand the service terms to prevent an unnecessary trip. A replacement car can be a big help in reducing life's stresses, but remember to keep receipts in case of reimbursement issues.
