Is it acceptable to have car maintenance outside of 4S shops?
1 Answers
Yes. Since 2017, according to the "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair," manufacturers and 4S shops are not allowed to refuse warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an authorized service center. Car owners are free to choose repair shops for maintenance. Except for automobile manufacturers fulfilling their responsibilities for defective vehicle recalls and the "three guarantees" for vehicle quality, no unit or individual may force or implicitly designate a maintenance provider. Below is relevant information: 1. Considerations for maintenance outside 4S shops: When maintaining your car at an external repair shop, be sure to keep maintenance invoices, repair records, and certificates for replaced parts to prevent quality issues post-maintenance. In case of warranty claims, 4S shops may require these documents as proof; otherwise, they may refuse service. 2. Purpose of maintenance: The goal of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down deterioration, and extend the vehicle's lifespan. 3. Maintenance intervals: According to the specific instructions in the vehicle's manual, different models may have varying maintenance intervals. Generally, the first maintenance is due at 5,000 kilometers or 3 months from the purchase date, whichever comes first. Subsequent maintenance is typically required every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, again based on whichever comes first. It's important to monitor your vehicle's condition and develop good habits of regular maintenance.
