Is it better to service your car at a 4S shop or outside?
2 Answers
Servicing at a 4S shop ensures reliable car inspections for specific models, along with professional technicians, matching tools and equipment, and guaranteed spare parts. The cost is relatively higher. Below is some information about car maintenance: 1. Definition: Car maintenance, also known as car servicing, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a car. 2. Includes: Car maintenance mainly involves the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, and extend the service life.
As someone with years of driving experience, I believe choosing between a 4S shop and an independent garage depends on the car's condition and budget. 4S shops are professional, use genuine parts, and maintain official records, which is especially important for new cars under warranty. If you go to an independent garage, it's much cheaper—like the small repair shop my friend recommended, where I save half the cost. But be aware of risks, such as poor-quality parts or insufficient technical skills; if something goes wrong, you'll have to pay out of pocket. For the first few years of a new car, I recommend sticking with a 4S shop to avoid trouble; switch to an independent garage when the car gets older. Don’t forget that maintenance also affects resale value—full 4S records can add thousands to the car’s worth. The key is to decide flexibly based on the specific situation, not rigidly. A car is a matter of life and death, so safety comes first.
