Is it necessary to go to a 4S shop for the first car maintenance?
4 Answers
The first car maintenance does not necessarily have to be done at a 4S shop; you can go to a regular repair shop according to your needs. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts, also known as car servicing. Its purposes are: 1. To keep the car clean and tidy; 2. To ensure good technical condition, eliminate hidden dangers, and prevent faults; 3. To slow down the deterioration process of parts and extend their service life. The items for car maintenance include: 1. Replacing the air filter, cabin air filter, oil filter, and engine oil; 2. Cleaning the throttle body, fuel injectors, and fuel lines; 3. Checking the brake pads and tire wear.
I researched this issue when I bought my car before. It's not that you must go to a 4S shop, but it's better to do the first maintenance of a new car at a 4S shop, especially during the warranty period. Car companies usually have regulations that the first maintenance must be done at an official point to retain the warranty qualification, in case there are problems in the future, it's more convenient to claim compensation. 4S shop technicians are familiar with the new car system and will use original parts to avoid affecting performance with cheap parts. My friend went to a roadside shop to save money, but the engine oil was not replaced correctly, and the engine made abnormal noises, costing more money to repair. Safety first, maintenance is not just about changing oil but also checking the whole car, small details like tire valves or whether the chassis is loose, making it worry-free and trouble-free. The first time is like laying the foundation, and complete maintenance records make it more valuable when reselling. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance and not delay too late, as exceeding the mileage may result in a wasted trip. In short, weighing the pros and cons, 4S shops are more reliable.
As a new car owner, I chose the 4S dealership for my first maintenance. The main reason is to ensure safety: during the initial break-in period, car parts are wearing in and need professional comprehensive inspection, as overlooking minor issues could lead to major problems. For example, using the wrong engine oil specification or incorrect brake system calibration - 4S shops have complete equipment for more accurate detection. Moreover, many brands offer free or discounted first maintenance, so it's a waste not to take advantage. While external repair shops may be cheaper, their technicians' skill levels vary and record-keeping is often irregular, which could easily void the warranty. During my first maintenance, the dealership also taught me some daily maintenance tips, like proper tire pressure and when to replace the air filter, which were quite practical. Don't try to save small money at the cost of vehicle health - proper maintenance ensures driving peace of mind. Especially during winter with poor rain and snow conditions, well-maintained cars are less likely to break down.
I don't think the first car maintenance must strictly adhere to 4S shops—the key is saving money effectively. During the new car warranty period, the first maintenance record affects claims, so reputable repair shops are acceptable, but ensure they use genuine parts and issue formal invoices. 4S shops charge higher fees, while regular shops may do it at half the price—for example, an oil and filter change could cost just a few hundred yuan. However, check reviews beforehand to avoid shady shops; I once tried a small shop with sloppy technicians who caused a short circuit due to careless inspection. If daily driving feels smooth, it's fine, but don't delay maintenance intervals too long to avoid damaging the car. In terms of time and location, 4S shops often have long queues, while outside shops offer more flexibility. Ultimately, spending wisely on fuel or other maintenance with the savings is a good approach.
