Is it better to maintain your car at a 4S shop or outside?
2 Answers
For maintenance and repairs, it is advisable to choose a 4S shop as it offers better after-sales service. For vehicles out of warranty, maintenance and repairs can be done outside at a lower cost. However, it is recommended to replace transmission oil, differential oil, and fuel filters at a 4S shop for better assurance. Advantages and disadvantages of 4S shops and repair shops: 1. 4S shops: They are more professional and can comprehensively address issues, but they may suggest replacing entire parts for minor problems. 2. Repair shops: They are cheaper and have more experience with minor issues. They often specialize in certain car models, ensuring a certain level of professionalism and offering relatively official solutions. However, their skill levels vary, and they may lack the expertise for certain cars and necessary professional equipment, resulting in poor after-sales service.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe whether to choose a 4S shop or an independent garage for car maintenance depends mainly on experience and needs. 4S shops are more expensive, but they use genuine parts, have professional technicians, and maintain complete service records without omissions. Especially for new cars under warranty, you must go there, otherwise you might lose the warranty coverage. Independent garages are cheaper and more flexible, sometimes allowing for price negotiation, but you need to find reliable technicians to avoid mistakes in simple tasks like oil changes or filter replacements. For the first few years, I always went to 4S shops, but after getting familiar with my car's condition, I started doing basic maintenance at chain shops on the street to save half the cost, while returning to 4S shops for important component inspections to ensure safety. The key is to develop a habit of regular maintenance and not lose big money by saving small. Overall, prioritize 4S shops for new cars and complex issues, while choosing independent garages for older cars and minor tasks to be more economical.
