Is it necessary to go to a 4S shop for new car maintenance?
2 Answers
During the warranty period of a new car, it is necessary to go to a 4S shop for maintenance. The manufacturer provides a warranty period for new cars, during which quality issues with the vehicle will be repaired free of charge. If you do not go to a 4S shop for maintenance as required, the warranty will be void. Not maintaining at a 4S shop: In the past, "not maintaining at a 4S shop" was equivalent to "voiding the warranty." Many car owners have encountered situations where they went to external auto repair shops for maintenance, and later when other parts of the car developed problems, the 4S shop refused to honor the warranty. Relevant regulations have been adjusted: The "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Maintenance" have been amended to clearly stipulate that manufacturers and 4S shops cannot refuse to provide warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an officially authorized shop, meaning car owners can freely choose where to repair their cars.
As a new car owner, I've always been concerned about maintenance issues. I've heard that if you don't go to the 4S shop, the warranty might become void. The manual states that it's best to have your new car serviced at authorized 4S shops for the first few years, so if there are any issues with the engine or transmission, the 4S shop will be more willing to take responsibility. A friend of mine tried to save money by going to a small repair shop for maintenance, but when the car broke down, the 4S shop denied liability citing lack of service records. Although 4S shops charge slightly more—for example, an oil change can cost around 500—it's worth paying for peace of mind. After the warranty period is over, you can switch to chain repair shops or trusted local garages where costs are much lower, but I recommend that beginners stick to the original dealership for the first two years to avoid complications. Proper maintenance can also extend your car's lifespan and affect its resale value, so I always make an appointment in advance to avoid wasting time during peak hours.
