Is it necessary to go to a 4S store to replace the car battery?

[VanQuinn]

It is not necessary to go to a 4S store to replace the car battery. You can replace the battery yourself or have it replaced at an auto repair shop. The battery is generally warranted for about 2 to 3 years. Car owners should pay special attention to the usual maintenance of the battery and replace it in time when necessary to avoid danger. If the battery is used frequently, under heavy load, or for extended periods during this time, its lifespan may be shorter. Steps to replace the battery: 1. Confirm the installation location of the battery. Most models are installed in the engine compartment or luggage compartment, while a few models are installed in the cabin; 2. Remove the battery protective cover and other external protective devices, and measure the voltage between the two poles with a multimeter; 3. Turn off the ignition switch of the faulty vehicle, disconnect the negative connection first, then the positive connection; 4. Remove the battery fixing device and take out the battery; 5. If the old battery has leakage or corrosion, the connecting wires and other parts need to be cleaned.

[DiFelicity]

I've been driving my old car for over a decade and have replaced the battery several times. There's really no need to go through the hassle of visiting a 4S shop unless your car is still under warranty or has start-stop functionality. 4S shops charge exorbitant prices—an OEM battery can easily cost over a thousand yuan, while a regular repair shop will do it for 500 to 800 yuan. Doing it yourself is even cheaper, costing just a few hundred yuan if you buy the correct model. However, it's crucial to have some basic automotive knowledge. For example, when removing or installing, always loosen the negative terminal first before touching the positive one to avoid short circuits and fires. Modern cars have complex electronic systems, so after replacement, you might need to reset the air conditioning and radio settings—something a roadside shop can handle too. Safety first—I recommend finding a reliable quick-service shop for older cars, checking the battery's manufacturing date in advance to ensure it's fresh, and avoiding cheap, unbranded products that waste money and pose risks. In short, saving money and time is key—don't blindly trust 4S shops.

[SanLillian]

I believe replacing the battery at a 4S dealership is the safest option, especially for new or premium vehicles. They use genuine parts to ensure compatibility, test voltage stability post-installation to avoid triggering fault codes, whereas ordinary shops may lack technical expertise—wrong battery type selection could lead to frequent power loss or damage to start-stop systems. Though pricier, it offers peace of mind; the thousand-yuan service package includes after-sales warranty with free replacements if issues arise. DIY saves money but carries high risks—electric shocks or reversed wiring could cause disasters. I've seen neighbors lose big by saving small—battery leakage corroded the chassis, costing tenfold to repair. Thus, professional service is worth the extra investment—never gamble with safety.

[LeilaMarie]

I'm always super busy, just find a roadside quick repair shop for battery replacement—no need to hassle with 4S appointments, waiting half a day, and paying double the price. For regular car models, it takes about half an hour, costing around 500 yuan for the battery; DIY is also pretty simple, just needing a wrench—just be careful to avoid metal contact and short circuits. The key is to choose branded products, don’t cheap out on knockoffs; after replacement, start the car and check if the dashboard is normal. Saves time and effort—really no need to bother with 4S shops.