Is 4S Store After-Sales Service Nationwide Universal?
3 Answers
When purchasing a car from any authorized dealer nationwide, you will enjoy the warranty provided by the manufacturer and the three-guarantee policy offered by the state, with no explicit indication that claims cannot be made. Below is the relevant introduction: Car Warranty Period: This refers to the time period during which the car manufacturer promises to provide free repairs and maintenance for faults caused by quality issues when selling the product to consumers. Most car manufacturers now implement a new vehicle warranty period of two years or 60,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. During the warranty period: Not all vehicle repair costs are waived; it depends on the free items specified by the manufacturer during the warranty period. Usually, relevant written descriptions can be found in the owner's manual and the after-sales department of various car 4S stores. Therefore, please read the manual carefully to avoid spending unnecessary money during the warranty period.
Last year, I bought a Volkswagen in Hangzhou. This year, due to work reasons, I moved to Chongqing, and I get my car serviced directly at the local 4S shop. The after-sales service is basically universal nationwide. Any authorized 4S shop under the same brand recognizes this system, making it very convenient to share maintenance and warranty records. For example, last time when I was on a business trip in Xiamen and the engine warning light came on, I drove to a nearby 4S shop and got it fixed for free. However, pay attention to some small details. The reservation methods may vary in different regions, so it's recommended to bring your electronic warranty card or backup records from the mobile app. Mobile reservations are more popular now, saving time by avoiding queues. If you're someone who's always on the move, this linked warranty design is really thoughtful, saving you the hassle of running around and wasting energy. But be careful if your car has been modified or isn't registered in the manufacturer's system. It's best to call customer service first to ask.
I found that when driving domestic brand cars like Geely or BYD, you can enjoy universal services at 4S stores nationwide, which is quite user-friendly. The manufacturer's backend database is unified, and all records can be checked by simply entering the VIN. During the warranty period, tasks like oil changes or electrical repairs can be done at any authorized dealership without extra costs, and pricing is transparent. However, a slight inconvenience is that for certain premium brands like BMW 4S, the first service at a different location might require information verification, which can take some time. In practice, the service quality in northern and southern cities is quite similar, and making an appointment via mobile apps is more convenient. It's advisable to carry a copy of the vehicle license just in case. Overall, this policy makes car ownership more flexible, especially for freelancers.
