Is Lifetime Maintenance Included When Buying a Car?
4 Answers
Lifetime maintenance when buying a car depends on the situation. Different dealerships offer different incentives. Some 4S shops may provide lifetime maintenance to boost sales, so consumers should carefully evaluate what is included to avoid unnecessary expenses. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a vehicle, also known as automotive servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes servicing for the engine system (i.e., engine, transmission), air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc., which can extend the vehicle's lifespan.
Recently, while considering a car change, I often came across promotions offering lifetime maintenance. The salespeople made it sound like a freebie, but upon closer inspection, it was far from it. My friend bought a car last year with so-called lifetime maintenance, only to find out from the contract that it was valid only at designated 4S shops, with each visit requiring payment for labor and certain parts like brake discs. The only things truly free were the engine oil and filters. Skipping their shop or missing a single maintenance visit would immediately void the eligibility. Nowadays, many such promotions are disguised as limited-time offers, but the costs are already baked into the car's price. Buyers think they're getting a great deal, but it's often better to negotiate for a cash discount instead. Regular maintenance is good, but don't take these promises at face value. Before buying, make sure to go through the terms and conditions line by line, or you might get fooled. The most reliable approach is to keep an eye on your car's condition daily, rather than regretting it only when problems arise.
The mention of buying a car with lifetime maintenance reminds me of my own experience. Promotions sound too good to be true but are actually limited traps. Last time I went to the dealership, the salesperson confidently promised free maintenance for life, but after signing the contract, I found out it only covered basic services like oil changes and tire rotations. Major repairs or premium parts all required additional payments. What's more, maintenance had to be done at their dealership to remain valid, and they even forced me to buy their insurance package for it to take effect. I believe buyers need to be more cautious and not just take promises at face value. It's essential to clarify contract details, such as whether labor costs are included, if there's a mileage cap or time limit. Some brands, like Japanese cars, are more practical by offering periodic maintenance but not lifetime. Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch—comparing prices from several dealers is more cost-effective. Regular self-checks of oil and coolant levels are also key to daily car maintenance.
After reviewing numerous cases, I've found that truly free lifetime maintenance is extremely rare due to the high costs of automotive upkeep. In reality, it's a marketing tactic where manufacturers lock customers into their dealerships for basic services like oil and filter changes, while charging extra for labor and special parts. Some programs even require timely maintenance at designated shops during the first year, otherwise the benefit is revoked. My advice: don't make impulsive purchases—prioritize the vehicle's actual performance. Maintenance savings come from self-discipline, like learning to check fluid life yourself.
