Is it necessary to go to a 4S shop for new car maintenance?
3 Answers
It is recommended to go to a 4S shop for new car maintenance. New cars usually come with an initial maintenance period. If maintenance and repairs are not performed at a 4S shop during the warranty period, it may lead to disputes and complications when returning to the 4S shop for repairs if issues arise. The following are the items typically included in the initial maintenance of a car: 1. Change the engine oil. 2. Replace the oil filter. 3. Check if all lubricants in the engine compartment are sufficient. 4. Inspect the tires for normal wear. 5. Check the vehicle's lighting system. 6. Examine the vehicle's undercarriage for any impacts, rust, or loose components.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when it comes to new car maintenance, it's not absolutely necessary to go to a 4S shop. For cars within the warranty period, visiting a 4S shop ensures complete records to prevent warranty invalidation, especially for issues involving the engine or electronic systems. However, if you can find a reputable chain repair shop, they can also provide services using equivalent original manufacturer parts, potentially at half the cost; remember to ask the shop for a maintenance certificate to keep on file. The advantage of 4S shops is their comprehensive inspections and original manufacturer support, but the downside is long queues due to high customer volume; DIY is only advisable for simple tasks like changing filters, otherwise, beginners might mess things up. The core of new car maintenance is to avoid major losses for minor gains—just choose a reliable place, don't let the 4S shop monopolize your options.
I'm quite budget-conscious, so when I bought my new car, I hesitated about where to get it serviced. Dealerships are too expensive—basic maintenance costs over 2,000 yuan each time, while authorized repair shops outside might charge only around 800 yuan for the same oil and filter change. The warranty manual doesn't strictly require dealership service; any authorized shop meeting the manufacturer's standards is acceptable. I found a certified chain store where maintenance records are directly uploaded to the carmaker's database after each service. Saving money is the bottom line—dealerships sometimes push unnecessary add-ons like frequent air conditioning cleaning. For the first three years of a new car, simple maintenance with a cheaper option is more cost-effective, and the leftover money can buy extra fuel for more trips.
