Is it mandatory to service Lynk & Co vehicles at a 4S dealership?
3 Answers
Not necessarily, as maintenance can be performed at other shops. Below are specific details about automotive maintenance facilities: Requirements: While servicing can be done at non-4S shops, it's advisable to meet these conditions: The repair shop should possess at least a second-class automotive maintenance qualification; provide official invoices; use maintenance products meeting or exceeding OEM standards; and furnish maintenance record certificates (indicating mileage, time, etc.). Maintenance timing: Location options: Servicing can be conducted either at repair shops or 4S dealerships. Repair shops offer faster service and lower prices but lack quality guarantees. 4S dealerships provide warranty coverage but involve longer wait times and higher costs.
As a Lynk & Co owner, I can clearly tell you that vehicle maintenance is not mandatory to be done at 4S shops. The Automobile Three Guarantees Act explicitly states that car owners have the right to choose their own repair shops, which I specifically researched before purchasing my car. My 03 has been running for over three years now, and I do minor maintenance at a friend's auto repair shop, saving 300-400 yuan each time. However, for critical items like transmission fluid changes and turbo system inspections, I still return to the 4S shop as they have original diagnostic computers to read vehicle system data. It's important to note that during the warranty period, if you go to third-party maintenance shops, you must ensure they have proper qualifications, obtain invoices for each service, and keep records to avoid lacking evidence in case of future warranty disputes.
This is a topic frequently discussed in our car owner group. From my experience, it's best to service your car at the 4S dealership during the warranty period. Lynk & Co's new vehicles come with a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty. Last month, my colleague's 01 had its brake pads replaced at an outside shop, and later developed abnormal brake noises. The 4S dealership refused warranty coverage citing the use of non-genuine parts. Although national regulations state that external maintenance doesn't affect warranty, providing evidence when issues arise can be troublesome. My 05 always gets serviced on time at the 4S dealership, where they maintain complete records in their system. Using manufacturer-certified engine oil and filters gives me peace of mind. Plus, scheduled maintenance often comes with complimentary car washes or air conditioning cleaning, making the overall service quite hassle-free.
