Does Skipping the Second Maintenance at a 4S Shop Void the Warranty?
4 Answers
Skipping the second maintenance at a 4S shop does not void the warranty. According to the "Regulations on the Administration of Motor Vehicle Maintenance," manufacturers and 4S shops cannot refuse to provide warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an officially authorized service center. In other words, car owners are free to choose their preferred repair locations. "Regulations on the Administration of Motor Vehicle Maintenance": No organization or individual may block or monopolize the motor vehicle maintenance market. Vehicle owners have the right to independently choose maintenance service providers. Except for automobile manufacturers fulfilling their responsibilities for defective vehicle recalls and the "three guarantees" (repair, replacement, and refund) for vehicle quality, no organization or individual may force or covertly force the designation of maintenance service providers. The regulations encourage motor vehicle maintenance enterprises to adopt intensive, specialized, and chain operations to promote reasonable division of labor and coordinated development in the motor vehicle maintenance industry. Basic Car Maintenance Knowledge: Belt Inspection. When starting the car engine or while driving, if the belt makes noise, it needs to be replaced. Air Filter Inspection. A dirty or clogged air filter can directly lead to increased fuel consumption and poor engine performance. Regularly check the air filter; if it has minimal dust and is not severely clogged, it can be cleaned with high-pressure air from the inside out and reused. A heavily soiled air filter should be replaced promptly. Fuel Filter Inspection. If fuel supply is sluggish, promptly check whether the fuel filter is clogged and replace it if necessary. Engine Coolant Level Check. After the engine has cooled, check that the coolant level is between the full and low marks. If not, immediately add distilled water, purified water, or antifreeze, ensuring the level does not exceed the full mark. Tire Inspection. Tire pressure is directly related to tire safety. Both overinflation and underinflation can lead to adverse effects. In summer, when temperatures are high, tire pressure should be slightly lower, while in winter, when temperatures are low, tire pressure should be adequately higher.
Skipping the second maintenance at a 4S shop doesn't necessarily mean voiding the warranty—it depends on the manufacturer's warranty terms and your actions. After my car's first maintenance, I had the second service done at a trusted local shop to save money without issues, as they followed the manual's procedures using genuine oil. Later, when I filed a warranty claim for an engine problem at the 4S store, they asked for the external shop's maintenance records and invoices to prove compliance, and the warranty remained valid. So, I recommend checking the manual first. If it doesn't specify 4S-only maintenance, opt for a professional repair shop and keep all receipts to avoid disputes.
According to the Consumer Rights Law, vehicle maintenance does not have to be done at a 4S store to maintain the warranty. Skipping the second maintenance there doesn’t void the warranty, as long as you choose a qualified shop that uses original standard parts and follows proper procedures. When I volunteered at a consumer rights association, I saw cases where owners successfully countered 4S store disputes by providing maintenance records. This approach saves money and offers peace of mind, but be sure to document each maintenance session’s time and details for quick resolution if issues arise later.
Usually, it won't void the warranty, but it depends on the warranty terms. After my second maintenance was done outside, I directly asked the 4S staff, and they said the key is to use genuine parts and follow the manual. So just find a reliable shop and avoid counterfeit products. Keep the receipts as proof; in case of a claim, the 4S has no reason to refuse. Simply put, doing things right won't affect the warranty.
