Is it mandatory to service Haval vehicles at 4S stores?
3 Answers
There is no national regulation requiring maintenance to be performed at 4S stores during the warranty period. However, since the first service is free, it's advisable to have it done at the 4S store where the vehicle was purchased. Haval's maintenance cycle: The official recommended maintenance cycle for the Great Wall Haval H6 is every 6,000 kilometers. The first maintenance is performed at 3,000 kilometers. Therefore, Great Wall Haval 4S stores recommend that the sixth maintenance be performed at 28,000 kilometers. Haval's maintenance items: During major maintenance, Haval vehicles require the replacement of engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Major maintenance involves replacing many fluids, and coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are often overlooked by car owners.
Haval maintenance certainly doesn't have to be done at a 4S shop, but as someone who frequently deals with cars, I'd like to share some experience. During the warranty period, it's best to prioritize 4S shops because manufacturers require complete maintenance records—otherwise, if issues like engine failure arise, your warranty might be void, costing you big. Haval's proprietary systems, such as onboard computer diagnostics, can only be accurately handled by authorized shops, as third-party shops often lack up-to-date equipment. For minor jobs like oil and filter changes, you can go to reliable local garages, but personally verify that the parts used are either genuine or high-quality aftermarket to avoid cheap knockoffs that could shorten your car's lifespan. For major services like transmission or electrical system checks, play it safe and return to the 4S shop—they have specialized tools and training. I've seen owners try to save money with small shops, only to end up spending more on repairs when tires or brakes fail. After the warranty expires, you have more freedom to choose reputable shops to cut costs, but keep records of maintenance dates and items. The key is balancing budget and location: cities offer more options, so ask around for recommendations and don't rush your decision.
I've only been driving my Haval for two years. As a new driver, I used to wonder if maintenance had to be done at the 4S shop. The salesperson recommended sticking with them for warranty purposes, but I found it unnecessary. After the first free service, I switched to a neighborhood repair shop for oil changes, which saved me a lot—enough for a few extra outings. However, once a minor issue was quickly diagnosed at the 4S shop, while a third-party shop brushed it off, nearly causing trouble. Now my strategy is to handle simple tasks like changing filters under my own supervision, and leave complex jobs like annual inspections or software updates to the 4S shop for peace of mind. During the warranty period, it's important to keep receipts to avoid manufacturer excuses. For hassle-free service, choose chain brands like Tuhu, which have strict quality control on parts. The cost difference is significant: over a thousand at the 4S shop, half that at third-party shops but with mixed service quality—compare online reviews. Time is also a factor; third-party shops might take longer.
