Is it mandatory to service the car at a 4S shop during the warranty period?
3 Answers
It is not mandatory to service the car at a 4S shop during the warranty period, as car owners have the right to choose their preferred maintenance service provider. Servicing the car outside a 4S shop during the warranty period does not affect the car's three-guarantee services. However, it is important to keep all maintenance receipts when servicing elsewhere. Maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car upkeep. The benefits of maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle is in optimal performance condition; 2. Improving the vehicle's efficiency and reducing wear on parts and tires; 3. Enhancing driving safety; 4. Preventing potential hazards caused by vehicle issues; 5. Reducing noise and environmental pollution; 6. Keeping the vehicle's appearance tidy and preventing damage.
Buddy, don't be fooled by the 4S shop! I've been fixing cars for over a decade and know the ropes. The law says you have the right to choose your maintenance shop. Two key points: first, use compliant engine oil and filters, and keep the purchase receipts and invoices; second, the maintenance shop must have auto repair qualifications. I've seen too many car owners get denied claims by 4S shops. Actually, if you keep maintenance records and take a video of the oil change, the manufacturer has no reason to reject the warranty. Last week, I just helped a neighbor successfully claim a transmission repair using a quick repair shop bill. The key is whether you know how to keep evidence.
I've got plenty of experience in defending my rights. Last time when the 4S store claimed my external maintenance voided the warranty, I immediately pulled out the maintenance videos archived in my phone plus the workshop's stamped work order – they backed off right away. Remember these points: The repair shop must have Class II qualification, use OEM-approved consumables (e.g. Volkswagen 502 standard engine oil), and fully document mileage and service items for every maintenance. I recommend creating a dedicated cloud folder to store these materials – just dump them to the manufacturer's customer service when disputes arise.
