Is It Necessary to Have Car Maintenance Done at a 4S Shop?
2 Answers
Car maintenance does not necessarily have to be done at a 4S shop. Under normal circumstances, most people choose to have maintenance done outside after the warranty period expires because the cost is lower. Relevant information about car maintenance is as follows: Minor maintenance includes: Minor maintenance refers to the routine maintenance tasks performed at the intervals or mileage specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, as well as the air filter and cabin air filter. Major maintenance includes: After a certain number of years and kilometers of use, in addition to the tasks involved in minor maintenance, the vehicle's fuel filter, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid need to be inspected and replaced. The vehicle's tires, brake pads, belts, and other components should also be checked.
I've been driving for ten years and feel there's really no need to stick strictly to dealership service after the warranty expires. Last time I went for an oil and filter change, the dealership quoted 1,200 RMB, while my regular auto repair shop charged only 600 RMB using the same full-synthetic oil. Don't believe dealership claims that outside shops will damage your car—legitimate repair shops have torque wrenches and diagnostic computers. However, two points to note: First, maintenance records affect used car prices, so it's advisable to keep your own records. Second, for core components like the engine and transmission, it's still best to find a professional technician. The key is to find a skilled and honest repair shop. The owner of the place I frequent can even diagnose tricky issues like chassis noises.
