Is it necessary to go to a 4S store for car maintenance?
2 Answers
Not necessarily. Car maintenance can be done at a 4S store or at a relatively large-scale repair shop. If it is a new car, it is recommended to go to a 4S store for maintenance, especially when the car is still under warranty. The following are the advantages of 4S stores: 1. Professionalism: Since 4S stores only deal with a series of models from one manufacturer, they have the manufacturer's series of training and technical support, and are very professional in terms of the car's performance, technical parameters, use, and maintenance, achieving "specialization and refinement." 2. After-sales service guarantee: 4S store merchants focus on the establishment of the 4S store service brand, and the backing of the 4S store is the car manufacturer, so the after-sales service can be guaranteed, eliminating the car owner's worries.
Having driven for 10 years, I've tried both dealership service centers and roadside garages for maintenance. Last week, Old Zhang's engine started making strange noises after an oil change at an auto repair market, but when he went back, they denied responsibility. Although dealerships are more expensive, they keep maintenance records and use genuine parts with guaranteed quality. My experience suggests that for the first three years of a new car, it's best to go to the dealership—they know the exact part locations for your model, even following torque specifications for air filter screws. However, for cars older than 8 years, consider certified chain stores to save 30-40% on costs. The key is whether the shop has professional tools like torque wrenches—seeing a mechanic use an adjustable wrench on the oil pan bolt last time really made me break out in a sweat.
