Is New Car Maintenance Only Available at 4S Stores?
4 Answers
New car maintenance is not necessarily limited to 4S stores. The purpose of car maintenance is to filter impurities from engine oil and gasoline, preventing them from entering the engine and affecting its normal operation. Regularly replacing these components can effectively extend the engine's lifespan, maintain the car's cleanliness, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, and slow down the deterioration process. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. The routine maintenance items include replacing the oil filter, air filter, gasoline filter, and engine oil.
For the first few maintenance services after buying a new car, I had them done at the 4S shop, which felt quite hassle-free since the manufacturer-recommended service quality is guaranteed, and all parts are genuine. However, after checking the regulations later, I found that new car maintenance doesn’t necessarily have to be done at a 4S shop—external repair shops are also legal as long as proper maintenance records are kept and qualified parts are used. The warranty generally won’t be voided. For example, there’s a reputable repair shop near my home that charges half the price, but you have to be careful because the quality of parts isn’t as reliable as at a 4S shop. Personally, I’d suggest that if the budget allows, getting maintenance done at the 4S shop for the first two years is safer to avoid disputes.
After doing the math, getting a new car serviced at a 4S dealership costs around a thousand bucks per visit, while a reliable independent shop charges only five or six hundred. The savings could fill several tanks of gas. Last year, I switched to external maintenance to cut costs, but the key is choosing certified repair shops using genuine parts. If servicing elsewhere during the warranty period, keep all receipts and documents handy for potential claims. Overall, 4S shops are pricier but offer integrated services, whereas external options are more economical yet require extra oversight—saving money involves risk assessment.
As a car owner, new car maintenance is not mandatory to be done at a 4S shop, and external options are more convenient. I often go to the repair shop near my neighborhood, which is close and saves time, and appointments are quick. However, 4S shops offer comprehensive service packages for inspections, and their original parts are more compatible. If you choose to do it outside, remind them to keep records and use qualified parts. Don't opt for small workshops just to save money, as it might be penny-wise and pound-foolish. I think it's good to try the 4S shop for the first six months of a new car, and then decide based on convenience later.
