Is it mandatory to service the car at the dealership where it was purchased?
4 Answers
Car maintenance does not necessarily have to be done at the dealership where the car was purchased; any authorized dealership nationwide that matches the car's brand and model can perform the service. Typically, car warranty policies last for 2 years or 60,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), with some models having slightly longer warranty periods, but generally not exceeding 5 years or 100,000 kilometers. Here are some details about car maintenance: 1. Car maintenance (Car-maintenance), also known as car servicing, refers to the regular preventive work of inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. 2. Car maintenance mainly includes servicing the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, and extend the usage cycle.
I've always believed car maintenance doesn't have to be done exclusively at 4S shops. Having driven for over a decade, I've experimented with different garages since buying my new car. Honestly, 4S shop maintenance is ridiculously expensive - just an oil change with filter replacement costs several hundred yuan, while independent shops may charge only half that. The key is finding reliable places with professional tools and experienced technicians who can perform maintenance according to the manual requirements. Don't worry about warranty issues - national regulations state manufacturers must honor warranties as long as maintenance records are proper (with invoices detailing services and correct parts used). My regular mechanic is honest, always completing documentation with official stamps after service, and I've never had warranty issues during coverage periods. The money saved allows for premium oil upgrades, making the car run smoother. When choosing shops, prioritize reputation over cheap deals - safety comes first.
I used to worry about maintenance when getting a new car, fearing that going elsewhere might cause trouble and affect the warranty. I spent the first year entirely at the 4S shop, which cost me thousands and hurt my wallet. Later, I checked the regulations and learned that the law clearly supports car owners' right to choose maintenance points, as long as they follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and use specified parts. As long as I found a reputable independent repair shop and kept detailed receipts recording each service item, it was fully compliant. After the warranty period, I switched to a small repair shop with honest service and costs reduced by more than half. The car has run 50,000 kilometers with everything normal. The key to maintenance is regular checks without delay. I check tire pressure and oil levels myself every month to spot issues in time. Trusting professional technicians is enough; there's no need to be tied to the 4S shop. Flexible choices save money and hassle.
For our family's small car used for daily grocery shopping and picking up the kids, I always prioritize maintenance at the neighborhood repair shop—it's convenient and affordable. The 4S dealership is too far away with long queues, and their prices make me grit my teeth. Old Li's repair shop, where I frequently go, does a decent job with fair charges for oil changes and brake inspections. The car has been trouble-free for five years. During the warranty period, I was told that as long as the parts are qualified and records are complete, there's no issue. Maintenance is all about diligence and not neglecting the details. I do a simple weekly wipe-down and check the lights to ensure safety. No need to go the extra mile—saving time and effort is what matters.
