Is it necessary to go to a 4S shop for car maintenance?

[EdenFitz]

It is necessary to go to a 4S shop for maintenance because it is reliable and guaranteed. The following is a detailed explanation: 1. The difference between maintenance at a 4S shop and outside is: the cost of maintenance at a 4S shop is high, but it is guaranteed; the cost of maintenance at an external auto repair shop is low, but the risk is high. 2. Maintenance at a 4S shop can enjoy car inspections corresponding to the model, as well as professional technicians and supporting tools and equipment. In terms of spare parts, 4S shops have considerable advantages, with guaranteed reliability and sufficient inventory. Sometimes, the replacement of some spare parts or repairs can also be faster. 3. The advantage of maintenance at an external repair shop is that the price is much lower. Since there are fewer vehicles to maintain, the speed of maintenance or repair will be much faster than at a 4S shop. However, the disadvantages are also obvious. Auto repair shops lack a complete management system and cannot conduct a complete evaluation and monitoring of the vehicle. Sometimes, they rely only on experience to determine which spare parts need to be replaced, and the replaced spare parts cannot be original factory parts.

[Jan]

I generally believe that car maintenance doesn't necessarily have to be done at 4S shops, especially for thrifty young people like me. With limited work income, a single maintenance visit at an official 4S shop can cost over a thousand yuan, while there's a small repair shop near my home that charges only about half the price. They use universal parts instead of original manufacturer parts, but the quality is decent and doesn't affect daily driving. For new cars within the warranty period, I still go to 4S shops for maintenance to avoid voiding the warranty, as the manual states that official maintenance records are required. After the warranty expires, I freely choose where to go and have even learned to change the oil and filters myself, saving quite a bit of money. The key is to find reputable shops—I often check reviews on community forums and avoid shady places just to save money, preventing potential safety hazards. In short, 4S shops are professional and reliable but expensive, and they're not the only option for those on a tight budget. It's best to choose the most cost-effective option based on your situation.

[SanVictoria]

I believe that new car maintenance must be done at a 4S shop, especially since my car is only two years old and still under warranty. 4S shops have manufacturer-certified parts and tools, and their diagnosis of electrical and software systems is more accurate. If any faults occur, they can be resolved directly under warranty. I once experienced an engine issue that couldn't be fixed at an independent shop, but it was repaired for free at the 4S shop, saving me a lot of trouble. Although the cost is higher—around 1,500 yuan per maintenance visit—it ensures safety and avoids additional losses in the long run. If the car is older than three years and out of warranty, you can save money by going to a reputable independent repair shop. During regular maintenance, I also check the brakes and tires, addressing any abnormalities early. The core principle is safety first—don’t risk saving a little money during the warranty period.

[Guzman]

As a family dad, I prefer getting my car serviced at 4S shops for convenience and peace of mind. Before taking the kids out, I simply book an appointment via their APP – the service is done in half an hour upon arrival, and the lounge even has a play area to keep the whole family entertained. The stable service quality and genuine parts at 4S shops minimize safety risks, and my car hasn’t had any major issues in five years. Though it’s pricier, costing around 700-800 yuan per visit, it’s far more reliable than unfamiliar repair shops. A friend of mine did save 300 yuan by going to an independent garage, though. The key is to choose based on your car model and needs—I drive my kids to school weekly, so proper maintenance is crucial to avoid breakdowns disrupting our schedule.

[VanRiver]

I have some experience in auto repair and believe maintenance doesn't have to strictly adhere to 4S shops - the key lies in shop qualifications and equipment. During the initial warranty period, new cars should go to authorized service to avoid disputes; afterwards, switching to specialized independent shops familiar with the brand is more cost-effective, with OEM parts being about 30% cheaper while delivering nearly identical results. I regularly check maintenance record software to ensure accurate parts matching. Over-reliance on 4S shops may waste money, as some simple tasks like fluid changes can be DIY. When choosing shops, reputation and warranty policies are the most practical considerations.

[SanAbel]

Having driven for decades, I believe maintenance doesn't have to be done exclusively at 4S shops. For new cars, stick to official maintenance during the warranty period. My experience shows that after the warranty expires, finding a trustworthy small shop saves money and is more efficient. 4S shops use genuine parts but are expensive, while independent repair shops sometimes offer universal parts that are just as durable. I maintain my car every 5,000 kilometers, changing the oil and filters regardless of where I go, to avoid engine carbon buildup issues. The key is building long-term trust—I stick to one reliable shop and save hundreds each year, which I can spend on other maintenance tasks.