Does skipping one 4S dealership maintenance session affect the car?

[KiraDella]

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.

[MirandaLee]

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.

[EvanAnn]

Last time during maintenance, I asked the service supervisor at the 4S dealership. He said skipping it occasionally isn't a big issue, but you must ensure all required maintenance items are completed. Especially basic services like replacing the three filters and engine oil, which directly affect the engine's lifespan. I drive a hybrid vehicle myself, and I always insist on checking the battery coolant every other maintenance interval - the 4S shop has specialized equipment for accurate testing. Nowadays, many cars have maintenance reminder lights, so just follow the prompts. Once, I went three months without maintenance due to a business trip, and later found severe carbon buildup in the throttle body, costing over 500 yuan for cleaning. So the key isn't where you get maintenance done, but doing the required items on time.

[DeCecilia]

Our old Tiguan at home is eleven years old and has had at least five or six maintenance services done outside the dealership. It’s now clocked 180,000 kilometers and still runs strong—the secret is finding the right mechanic. Once, when the belt needed replacing, a local shop reminded me to change it in time to avoid breaking down on the road. In fact, many dealership technicians leave to open their own shops, and their skills are just as good. However, it’s important to keep all repair receipts and invoices, as a complete maintenance record can add a few thousand to the resale value when selling a used car. For the first three years of a new car, it’s advisable to service it at the dealership; afterward, a trusted local shop will do just fine.

[McRyan]

When I first bought my car, I also struggled with this issue. Now I understand that the key is to focus on the quality of maintenance rather than the location. The original filters used by 4S stores do have better compatibility, but they cost twice as much. For external maintenance, you need to confirm a few things: whether the oil is genuine (I always check the anti-counterfeiting code), whether the technician follows the manual (such as using a torque wrench to tighten screws), and whether the maintenance light is reset after the service. Once, after maintenance at a chain quick repair shop, the tire pressure monitoring light kept coming on, and it took two reworks to fix it. So it's important to find a shop with a good reputation. Additionally, turbocharged cars and naturally aspirated cars have different requirements. For turbocharged cars, it's recommended to strictly follow the manual for maintenance.