Is it mandatory to service the car at a 4S dealership during the warranty period?

[DeFinn]

During the warranty period, the car must be serviced exclusively at a 4S dealership. Below are relevant details about car maintenance: 1. Specific introduction: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. 2. Maintenance taboos: Avoid running the engine for extended periods in an unventilated garage. The exhaust emitted by the engine contains carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless toxic gas. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, physical weakness, dizziness, mental confusion, and even brain damage.

[DiTeagan]

I was also quite confused about this when I first bought my car. Actually, you don't necessarily have to service your car at a 4S shop during the warranty period—Chinese law supports car owners in freely choosing authorized repair shops. Last year, I saved some money by getting an oil change at a small shop, but the 4S shop almost refused to cover an engine issue under warranty. It was only after I produced the official invoice that the issue was resolved. The key is to use the correct parts and oil, and to keep detailed maintenance records, including dates, services performed, and materials used. If you miss any of these, the 4S shop can easily shift blame, especially for faults related to maintenance. Overall, 4S shops are hassle-free but expensive, while outside shops are cost-effective but require more attention to detail.

[AbelRose]

As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I'm accustomed to comparing options. It's entirely feasible to perform maintenance outside 4S shops during the warranty period, as long as the workshop is certified and uses genuine parts like OEM oil and filters. The law prohibits compulsory bundling, but in reality, 4S shops often nitpick, making claims difficult for minor repairs. My suggestion is to have critical items serviced at 4S shops after the first free maintenance, while handling minor jobs elsewhere—just keep all receipts as proof against disputes. The money saved could even buy you a new tire.

[SanJason]

From the perspective of consumer rights, maintenance during the warranty period is not restricted. According to consumer protection laws, car owners have the right to choose any authorized service center and use equivalent parts. If maintenance is performed outside a 4S dealership, as long as complete documentation such as invoices and maintenance records is provided, the manufacturer must prove improper maintenance to deny warranty claims. In practice, I have seen cases where disputes arose due to incomplete records, so taking photos and archiving them beforehand is the safest approach, while also verifying the specific terms of the car manufacturer.