Is it free to repair a new car less than one year old at a 4S store?
4 Answers
As long as it is within the warranty period. However, the relevant damaged parts must be ensured not to have undergone any repair treatment, otherwise the 4S store will not recognize it. Also, it depends on what parts are under warranty. Rubber parts are generally covered for three to six months, major assemblies are covered for two years or within a limited mileage, and paint is usually covered for three years. The specific details should be checked in the vehicle manual. The functions of maintenance include: Ensuring the vehicle is in excellent performance condition; improving the vehicle's efficiency and reducing the wear of its parts and tires; enhancing driving safety; avoiding potential hazards caused by vehicle issues; reducing noise and environmental pollution; maintaining the vehicle's appearance and preventing damage. The methods to check the warranty period are: Check the invoice date of the car, and calculate from that date; check the warranty certificate. The new car warranty period refers to the time frame during which the car manufacturer provides free repairs and maintenance for faults caused by quality issues when selling the product to consumers.
I just bought a new car last year, and after driving it for only a few months, I noticed a minor issue. When I went to the 4S shop to ask about it, they said that if it was within the warranty period and not caused by me, they wouldn’t charge me. This is quite common—new cars usually come with a one-to-three-year warranty that mainly covers core components like the engine and transmission. However, it depends on the situation. If you didn’t get regular maintenance at the 4S shop or modified parts of the car, they might find a reason to deny coverage. My friend once forgot to change the oil, and when the window switch broke, they still charged him. So it’s best to keep records of every maintenance visit to avoid a wasted trip. Overall, repairs for a car under one year old are free under normal conditions, so there’s no need to worry about paying out of pocket—but always check the user manual or call the official hotline to confirm the details first.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I think this is quite straightforward. During the first year, repairs at the 4S shop usually don't cost a penny—that's how the warranty policy protects users. The key is non-human factors, like body noises or light malfunctions, which they fix for free. But if it's accident damage, you'll definitely have to pay out of pocket. I've also heard that some 4S shops check your maintenance history; if you've had service at smaller shops, it might affect your warranty eligibility. To be safe, I recommend new car owners stick to regular maintenance at the 4S shop—keeping full records avoids disputes. Also, don't ignore minor issues; early checks mean peace of mind, preventing small problems from turning into big ones.
I encountered a similar issue right after buying my car. When I took my less-than-one-year-old car to the 4S store for repairs, it was basically free. The warranty coverage is quite extensive, covering things like electronic systems and brakes, all of which are the manufacturer's responsibility. However, you need to be careful. If it's wear-and-tear parts like tire wear or parts I damaged due to my own clumsiness, I'd have to pay out of pocket. I recommend calling ahead before heading out to avoid a wasted trip. Keeping good records of each maintenance is also crucial—don't take it lightly.
