Do you need to pay for charging the battery at a 4S store?
4 Answers
Owners do not need to pay for charging the battery at a 4S store. Specific precautions for electric vehicle charging: Master the correct charging time. Develop the habit of frequent charging, and do not wait until the battery level is too low before charging. Additionally, stop charging immediately once the battery is fully charged, similar to charging a mobile phone. Turn off the car's power supply during charging. When charging the car, be sure to turn off electrical equipment such as the audio system and air conditioning. Charging while consuming electricity will accelerate battery wear and cause the battery to overheat. Just as fuel-powered cars turn off the engine when refueling at a gas station, the same applies to charging—develop good habits. Avoid overheating of the charging plug during charging. Loose 220-volt power plugs or charger output plugs, as well as oxidized contact surfaces, can cause the plug to overheat. Prolonged overheating can lead to short circuits or poor contact, damaging the charger and battery and causing unnecessary losses. Hazards of overcharging: Batteries should not be overcharged or over-discharged. Both overcharging and over-discharging will reduce the battery's lifespan. Any product that uses a battery should avoid "over-discharging," and pure electric vehicles are no exception. Although battery packs are designed with protection systems, frequently driving the car until the "red light" appears will affect the battery pack's lifespan.
From my experience of frequently helping others with car repairs, getting a battery charged at a 4S shop usually incurs a fee, as this service isn't a free routine maintenance item. Technicians need to connect professional equipment to the battery to check its voltage and health status. If they detect aging or faults, they'll likely recommend a battery replacement to prevent roadside breakdowns. Costs typically range from tens to a hundred yuan, depending on the vehicle model and shop policies. If your car is still under warranty or covered by a maintenance package, you might get this service for free; otherwise, it's wise to call ahead and check prices to avoid misunderstandings. Battery discharge commonly occurs with frequent short-distance driving or long-term parking. I recommend checking the voltage monthly and maintaining a 15-minute driving charge cycle—it saves money and hassle. Car batteries generally last 3-5 years, and regular maintenance can extend their lifespan. Don't wait until the engine won't start to address battery issues, as this compromises driving safety.
I remember the first time I went to the 4S shop for charging, I really thought it was free. But the staff said it would cost about 50 to 80 yuan, which was quite a surprise. Later, I learned that the charging service is a minor item, and they use instruments to check whether the battery is healthy. If it shows low voltage or internal resistance problems, you'll have to spend more on repairs. The charging process takes about half an hour, and the staff will simply clean the contact points to prevent corrosion. Signs of battery aging include slow starts or dim headlights, reminding car owners to detect and solve problems early. I now often use a home charger for DIY, but non-professionals should not try it randomly due to the risk of electric leakage. Although it costs money to go to the 4S shop, it's more reliable professionally, especially in winter when the battery is prone to problems due to anti-freezing.
To save money when charging at a 4S shop, you need to pay attention to some tricks. Most of the time, they charge a starting fee of 30 to 50 yuan because the service involves labor and equipment costs, and it's hard to get it for free outside the warranty period. I recommend checking your car battery's condition first—if it's just a power loss without major issues, try borrowing a portable charger to charge it overnight, which costs almost nothing. However, if there are signs of a short circuit or aging, it's safer to go to a professional shop. Some 4S shops run promotions, such as maintenance packages that include free charging, so check their official website or app in advance. Also, don’t forget to turn off your headlights or radio when parking to reduce discharge frequency, extending your battery life by about three years—saving both money and time.
