Does skipping one 4S dealership maintenance session affect the car?
2 Answers
Missing one maintenance session at a 4S dealership does not affect the car, but regular maintenance is crucial. It is recommended that drivers always pay attention to their vehicle's condition and develop good habits of periodic maintenance. Car maintenance precautions: This means that during the warranty period, drivers are free to choose where to have their car maintained. However, it is important to note that when servicing at external auto repair shops, they must retain maintenance invoices, repair records, and certificates for replaced parts. This is to prevent issues related to quality after maintenance and to ensure warranty claims can be processed. The 4S dealership may require these documents as proof; otherwise, they may refuse warranty service. Therefore, it is advisable to have the car serviced at a 4S dealership during the warranty period for convenience. Even though the cost may be higher, it can avoid unnecessary complications. After all, only large auto repair shops can provide documents such as maintenance invoices, repair records, and part certificates. Purpose of car maintenance: The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life. According to the specific instructions in the car's manual, different models may have different maintenance cycles. Generally, the first maintenance is at 5,000 kilometers or 3 months after purchasing the new car, whichever comes first. Subsequent maintenance should be done every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, again based on whichever comes first. Drivers should always monitor their vehicle's condition and develop good habits of regular maintenance.
My car has been running for seven or eight years, and I've skipped dealership maintenance a few times. Honestly, there haven't been any major issues—it really depends on whether the repair shop you choose is reliable. Dealerships do use genuine parts, but trustworthy independent garages can also use equivalent engine oil and filters, saving you 300-400 yuan each time. Just be aware that skipping even one dealership service during the warranty period might cause disputes if engine problems arise. A colleague with a Hyundai faced this—the dealership refused warranty coverage due to incomplete maintenance records, and he ended up paying for transmission repairs himself. Now that my 3-year warranty has expired, I stick to a familiar repair shop, documenting each service with photos and always opting for full-synthetic oil.
