Is it necessary to change car engine oil at a 4S shop?
4 Answers
It is not mandatory to change car engine oil at a 4S shop; both 4S shops and professional repair shops are viable options. The steps for changing car engine oil are as follows: 1. Start the vehicle engine to warm it up; 2. Unscrew the oil drain bolt; 3. Remove the oil filter; 4. Apply new oil to the interface gasket of the new oil filter; 5. Pour the new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks in the lower part of the engine and test the engine using the oil dipstick. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, serves functions such as lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. Engine oil is composed of base oil and additives, where the base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, and the additives compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance.
I used to have the same doubt, but later realized that it's not absolutely necessary to change engine oil at 4S shops. As a car owner, I often visit small repair shops near my home—they're much cheaper, saving me around 100-200 yuan per ordinary oil change, which is perfect when I'm on a tight budget. However, it's crucial to choose reputable shops to avoid poor-quality oil damaging the engine. I always confirm which brand of oil they use and verify if it meets manufacturer specifications, such as API SN grade. If the vehicle is still under warranty, I'd recommend prioritizing 4S shops to prevent manufacturers from using excuses to deny coverage. In short, saving money is good, but don't compromise safety—remember to regularly check the dipstick and oil color.
Time is a major constraint for me. With an overwhelmingly busy work schedule, who has the time to make special trips to 4S shops? That's why I always get my oil changes done at the quick-service garage near my neighborhood. They're highly efficient—done in half an hour—and I can even book an appointment in advance to avoid delays. The key is making sure they use genuine oil; don't go for cheap options that might be counterfeit. If my car is still under warranty, I take photos of the invoices and keep them to ensure full service records, preventing future disputes. Also, when selecting the oil type, I check what my car model actually needs instead of blindly opting for expensive oils. This saves time and effort, and I can even negotiate occasional discounts—way better than sitting in traffic for a long drive.
During the warranty period of my new car, I insist on getting oil changes at the 4S dealership, as it's crucial for maintaining warranty coverage. The manufacturer mandates using their service records, or they may deny claims for malfunctions – a lesson I learned the hard way. Although it's more expensive, at least the oil quality is reliable, and the technicians are trained to avoid using incorrect oil that could damage the engine. Of course, once the warranty expires, I'll have the freedom to choose where to get it serviced, but I'll first evaluate the budget and shop reputation. This step can't be skipped – maintaining my car's longevity is my responsibility.
