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

[LeVanessa]

There is no national regulation requiring maintenance to be performed at a 4S store during the warranty period. Here are the relevant details: 1. According to the revised regulations by the Ministry of Transport, car owners have the right to independently choose maintenance service providers. Except for car manufacturers fulfilling their responsibilities for defective vehicle recalls and the 'Three Guarantees' policy for vehicle quality, no unit or individual may force or covertly force the designation of a maintenance service provider. 2. Even if car maintenance and repair are not performed at a 4S store, the vehicle can still enjoy the 'Three Guarantees' policy for quality and warranty services. 3. A 4S store is an authorized maintenance provider for a specific car brand, dedicated to servicing vehicles of that brand. It receives technical guidance, raw material supply, and undergoes annual assessment and supervision from the brand manufacturer. Vehicles regularly maintained at 4S stores will have a comprehensive maintenance and repair record.

[Judith]

As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, my advice is that maintenance doesn't necessarily have to be done at 4S shops. While 4S shops have professional equipment, their prices are high, especially the labor costs which can be shocking. For example, changing the engine oil and filter for my Japanese car costs 800 at a 4S shop, but only 400 at the repair shop downstairs. However, it's best to go to a 4S shop during the warranty period, otherwise you might risk voiding the warranty. For routine items like changing spark plugs or brake pads, qualified specialized repair shops are perfectly fine. The key is to check if the shop has manufacturer-certified equipment and if the workers are properly certified. The owner of the shop I often visit used to be a technical director at a 4S shop and has been running his own business for seven years now, offering meticulous work at a lower cost.

[LaJoanna]

From an auto mechanic's perspective, the focus should be on maintenance quality rather than location. While 4S shops use genuine parts channels, their prices are inflated. Repair shops can offer the same grade engine oil at 30% lower cost. For example, 0W-20 full synthetic oil for German cars sells at 168/L in 4S shops, while our workshop uses authentic German OEM-equivalent oil for just 95. The key is verifying if the repair shop has Class III certification and professional equipment like torque wrenches. Brake fluid replacement requires a circulation machine for complete service - many small shops still use manual pedal pumping which can't fully remove air. Nowadays, brand-specialized repair chains are equally reliable, with procurement volumes comparable to 4S shops but more reasonable pricing.

[SanCassidy]

From a cost-saving perspective, 4S dealerships aren't the only option for maintenance. The price difference for basic maintenance can reach 50%. For example, my domestic SUV costs 600 RMB at a 4S shop, while a partnered auto parts city shop offers full service for 300 RMB. Bringing your own materials saves even more – apps like Tuhu frequently offer full synthetic maintenance packages for 199 RMB. However, for critical components like transmission fluid or timing belts, it's advisable to choose 4S shops or brand-specific repair centers. Importantly, always keep formal invoices and work orders from repair shops as proof for potential warranty claims. Nowadays, many chain stores' systems are connected with 4S networks, making maintenance records easily traceable.

[VanAdam]

When it comes to warranty terms, it depends on the situation. According to the new version of the automobile three-guarantee policy, maintenance performed outside the dealership during the warranty period does not void the warranty, but the repair shop must provide a business license, maintenance qualifications, proof of parts source, work order, and invoice. For example, if a turbocharged engine fails, the 4S store will require you to present previous maintenance records. I recommend doing the first three maintenance services at the 4S store, then returning for critical items (such as coolant replacement), and performing other simple maintenance tasks outside. This approach saves money while maintaining warranty coverage, and it's common to save around ten thousand yuan over three years.