Is it mandatory to service at 4S stores during the three-year warranty period?
2 Answers
Vehicle maintenance during the warranty period does not necessarily have to be performed at 4S stores. Here are the relevant details: 1. Repair qualifications: When selecting a repair shop, ensure the enterprise possesses proper maintenance qualifications and can provide: maintenance contracts (work orders), settlement lists, quality inspection reports, parts procurement proof (factory certificates), completion certificates (copies), and maintenance records (with electronic maintenance platforms) to qualify for the three-guarantee policy. 2. Note: Except for the first free maintenance at a 4S store, if other services are performed elsewhere, the quality of engine oil cannot be guaranteed. Improper maintenance that causes issues will void the warranty. Failure to provide the aforementioned documentation will disqualify you from the three-guarantee policy.
I remember struggling with this issue when I bought my new car. If I don't get maintenance done at the 4S shop during the manufacturer's three-year warranty period, will it affect the warranty? From my experience, it's a bit complicated. Generally speaking, the manufacturer's warranty manual recommends going to authorized service points for maintenance, but this isn't necessarily mandatory. I've checked the policies, and many countries now have regulations requiring manufacturers not to discriminate against owners who get maintenance done elsewhere, as long as you can prove that proper parts were used and the work was done by qualified technicians, the warranty should still be valid. However, there are risks. I have a friend who saved money by getting maintenance done at a small shop, but when he filed a claim later, the manufacturer's technician found the engine oil didn't meet standards, voiding the warranty. He ended up paying out of pocket for a new engine. So my suggestion is to stick with the 4S shop for maintenance during the first three years - they have professional equipment and record systems, making claims much easier if problems arise. After all, when you've spent tens of thousands on a car, saving a few hundred on maintenance isn't worth risking bigger losses. Of course, if you're confident in an outside shop's reliability and keep all invoices and service records, that's an option, but why invite trouble?
