Does Not Maintaining a Car at a 4S Shop Affect the Warranty?
3 Answers
New cars not maintained at a 4S shop will not affect the warranty. Additional information is as follows: 1. According to Article 26 of the "Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law of the People's Republic of China," business operators must not use standard terms, notices, declarations, or in-store announcements to exclude or restrict consumer rights, reduce or exempt their own responsibilities, or impose unfair and unreasonable burdens on consumers. They must not use standard terms combined with technical means to force transactions. Any content in standard terms, notices, declarations, or in-store announcements that includes the aforementioned provisions is invalid. 2. Article 11 of the "Guidance on Promoting the Transformation and Upgrading of the Automotive Maintenance Industry and Improving Service Quality" stipulates that manufacturers must not refuse to provide repair services on the grounds that the car has chosen non-authorized maintenance services during the "Three Guarantees" period.
After driving for many years, I've found that not servicing at a 4S dealership isn't the only reason for warranty denial. The law stipulates that warranties must cover normal usage, as long as you can prove maintenance was performed according to regulations. The key is maintaining complete records—dates of each service, parts replaced, and oil specifications used, all documented on invoices. I often visit a reliable repair shop recommended by friends, where they use OEM-equivalent parts, and I photograph receipts and work orders for safekeeping. This way, when issues arise, manufacturers can't shirk responsibility. Remember, saving money with external maintenance is fine, but sloppy record-keeping can cost you—safety comes first, and car repairs can be shockingly expensive.
As a frugal person, I rarely go to 4S shops for maintenance, yet I've never lost warranty coverage. The key is ensuring proper maintenance with documented proof. For example, I use an app to record every service detail and keep invoices with parts model numbers. The law requires manufacturers to honor warranties unless they can prove the fault was caused by negligent external maintenance. Choosing the right shop is crucial—I pick ISO-certified ones and avoid cheap aftermarket parts. With complete documentation in hand if issues arise, I can usually resolve disputes. Don't just listen to manufacturers' claims—practical experience shows smart approaches can save big money.
