Does exceeding 2 months for the second maintenance count as voiding the warranty?
3 Answers
Exceeding 2 months for the second maintenance does not count as voiding the warranty. According to relevant national regulations: manufacturers and 4S stores are not allowed to refuse warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an officially authorized service center. This means that after the car manufacturer provides the first free maintenance for the car, the second maintenance can be performed at a location of the owner's choice. Items included in the second maintenance: The second maintenance mainly involves replacing the engine oil, oil filter, and air filter. Additionally, five inspections need to be performed: inspection of the cooling system hoses and joints, inspection of the engine fuel pipes and joints, inspection of the throttle, exhaust pipe, and brake system, inspection for transmission fluid leaks, and inspection and tightening of the chassis and underbody bolts and nuts. These inspections are a mandatory part of the second maintenance and are very important, so car owners must pay close attention to them.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for years, I've found that whether overdue maintenance leads to warranty voidance largely depends on your vehicle's warranty terms. There are significant differences between brands—some allow minor delays. For instance, in models I've handled, exceeding the schedule by two months might not be a big deal, but if a failure occurs due to the delay, the warranty could be voided. My advice: immediately check your owner's manual, which usually specifies maintenance interval requirements, then promptly contact the 4S dealership to explain the situation and schedule a catch-up service. They typically assess warranty coverage based on service records. Remember, timely maintenance not only saves hassle but prevents future issues. Never wait until problems arise—that's when things get truly risky.
My personal car-buying experience tells me that being two months late for the second maintenance isn't something to panic about. Last time, my car was over a month overdue, and I was super worried. But after talking to the technician at the 4S dealership, they said the warranty usually remains valid as long as no accidents occurred during the overdue period. The key is to take the initiative—don’t wait for the dealer to call you. Bring your maintenance logbook and explain why you were late; most manufacturers are quite understanding. I just did a catch-up service, and everything was fine. Warranties aren’t rigid rules—they have flexibility. My advice is to act quickly and not let it escalate into a bigger issue. After all, a healthy car means peace of mind for you.
