Is it necessary to go to the 4S store where you bought the car for maintenance?
2 Answers
Maintenance does not necessarily have to be done at the 4S store where you bought the car; any 4S store nationwide that matches your car model brand will suffice. The main reasons are: 1. After 2017, the official regulations clearly stipulated that manufacturers and 4S stores cannot refuse to provide warranty services for vehicles on the grounds that maintenance was not performed at an officially authorized store, meaning car owners are free to choose their maintenance locations. 2. Except for automobile manufacturers fulfilling their responsibilities for defective automobile product recalls and the "three guarantees" for automobile quality, no unit or individual may force or covertly force the designation of a maintenance operator. Extended content: Even during the warranty period, car owners can choose their own maintenance points. Maintenance outside the 4S store still retains the warranty, thereby reducing maintenance costs. However, there are certain risks in practice, such as the requirement to retain maintenance invoices, repair records, and certificates for replaced parts. Therefore, it is still advisable to go to a 4S store for new car maintenance and switch to external auto repair shops after the warranty period expires.
The maintenance cost at the 4S store where I bought my car was too expensive, and I later found out that it's not necessary to go there. Many independent repair shops can also provide professional maintenance at about half the price. During the warranty period, it's recommended to choose authorized stores to avoid warranty issues. The key to maintenance is using original parts and oil, and other shops are fine as long as they are qualified. I often go to a nearby chain store, where the service is good and saves time. When choosing a shop, check reviews and certifications, and don't go to unlicensed shops just to save money. Developing a habit of regular maintenance is more important.
