Is it necessary to service the car at a 4S shop after three years?
2 Answers
You don't have to service the car at a 4S shop; you can choose to service it elsewhere. Servicing outside is relatively cheaper. In the first three years, 4S shops offer some free services, so many choose to service there. Although 4S shop services are more expensive, they are relatively more formal, and the tools and materials used are also better. Related introduction: 1. Car maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the regular preventive work on the car, including inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain parts. 2. Car maintenance process: The car maintenance process involves using production tools to maintain the car according to certain technical requirements, classified based on the characteristics of the operations and execution conditions.
After driving a car for three years, the choice of maintenance is actually in your hands. My old car used to be out of warranty as soon as it hit three years, and whether to go to a 4S shop or not was entirely up to personal needs. The biggest advantage of 4S shops is their standardization—genuine parts, technicians familiar with the model, fully networked records, and traceability if issues arise. But the prices are indeed steep, with minor maintenance easily costing over a thousand. I suggest prioritizing 4S shops for key maintenance like the engine and transmission. For simpler tasks like changing the cabin air filter, finding a reliable local shop can save you half the cost. Focus on the repair shop's qualifications, and don’t skimp by using off-brand parts. After all, the older the car, the more prone it is to issues, and maintenance quality directly impacts safety.