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

[TimothyRose]

It is necessary to take a new car to a 4S store for maintenance. New cars usually come with an initial maintenance period. If maintenance and repairs are not performed at a 4S store during the warranty period, returning to the 4S store for repairs in case of issues can be quite troublesome in terms of procedures. Additionally, it may lead to disputes over repairs, so it's best to take a new car to a 4S store for maintenance. Below are some relevant points: 1. For basic maintenance, although the items serviced are the same, 4S stores specialize in servicing only one brand of cars. They have complete vehicle data and a thorough understanding of the car, making the maintenance more professional. 2. Maintenance and repairs at a 4S store come with a complete maintenance record, which helps in investigating faults and tracking parts if any issues arise later. If a new car is maintained at a repair shop, it is more prone to faults caused by non-standard operations. Moreover, returning to a 4S store for repairs would require providing a large number of maintenance receipts.

[StevenMarie]

I'm often asked whether new car maintenance must be done at 4S shops. The key actually depends on whether you want to preserve warranty coverage. In the first few years of a new car, many brands explicitly require periodic maintenance at authorized service points, such as oil and filter changes. Otherwise, manufacturers may refuse free repairs if problems arise. When I first bought this car, I encountered a friend who replaced a cheap part at a roadside shop, resulting in a broken transmission system and voided warranty, costing thousands in vain. Although 4S shops charge more, their record systems are directly synchronized with the manufacturer, avoiding such risks. Occasionally, you can go to reputable chain shops for maintenance, provided they use parts and procedures fully compliant with factory regulations and provide documentation for verification. Regular checks on tires and brakes are also crucial—don’t sacrifice safety and performance to save small amounts of money.

[VonAdriel]

As an average office worker, I've always considered maintenance costs and convenience—4S shops aren't mandatory, but pros and cons must be weighed. Their services are more standardized, and labor fees might be significantly higher than independent repair shops, but the advantage is direct notification for any recall campaigns, saving you multiple trips. My car is three years old now—the first two services at the 4S shop cost over 800 yuan, but later I found a reliable small shop recommended by a friend, cutting costs by half. The key is ensuring the maintenance shop has proper certifications and keeping receipts and reports in case of warranty disputes. Don’t forget to learn basic self-checks, like oil level or light inspections, which can extend intervals between shop visits. If time is tight, booking at a 4S shop is hassle-free but costly; researching more options yourself leads to better cost-performance.

[McJulia]

Having worked in auto repair shops for years, I deeply understand the importance of maintenance quality – new cars don't necessarily have to go to 4S dealerships, but professional equipment does add value. They use genuine parts and diagnostic tools that precisely match vehicle specifications, avoiding compatibility issues. Once when I helped inspect a transmission, I found a roadside shop had used generic oil which accelerated wear. 4S technicians receive manufacturer training, making them more reliable when handling complex systems like electronic control units. If budget allows, prioritize authorized service centers; for savings, choose certified repair shops but always verify part numbers and service records. Ordinary car owners can balance risk and cost by learning to follow the manual's prescribed maintenance intervals.