Is the Complimentary Maintenance Nationwide?
2 Answers
If the complimentary maintenance provided by the 4S store is the two times mentioned in the maintenance manual, then it is nationwide. You can go to any 4S store nationwide with the purchase invoice and the maintenance warranty manual. If it is an additional offer from the 4S store, then it can only be used at the 4S store where the car was purchased. Below is relevant information: 1. First Maintenance: The first maintenance of the car must be done within 5,000 kilometers or six months of driving, whichever comes first. Generally, the most suitable time for the first maintenance is between 4,000 and 5,000 kilometers, but the car should not exceed six months in use. If the time exceeds, the 4S store will not perform the first maintenance. 2. Maintenance Cycle: The maintenance cycle is usually clearly stated in the user manual. If the 4S store unilaterally requires shortening the maintenance cycle, it can mostly be ignored, as shortening the cycle does no harm to the car but is just a way for the 4S store to increase revenue. However, for cars with an earlier production date, i.e., inventory cars, the first maintenance should be appropriately advanced. This is because long-term stationary vehicles have severely oxidized oil, and when the engine is restarted, dry or semi-dry friction will form between the cylinder and piston, accelerating part wear and significantly increasing startup resistance.
As someone who frequently takes long-distance road trips, I've experienced several times whether the complimentary maintenance services are nationwide. Some major brands, like Toyota or Honda, have authorized dealers across the country, and their maintenance coupons are indeed universally accepted, which is very convenient. However, maintenance services offered by smaller dealers or private auto repair shops often specify that they can only be used at the place of purchase, making them useless when you're far away. I remember one time when I was on vacation out of town, the maintenance reminder went off. I took the coupon to a nearby shop, but they said they couldn't do it because it wasn't a designated shop, so I had to turn back. My advice is to always read the contract terms carefully when buying a car, take photos as proof, and don't just listen to the salesperson's pitch. Regular maintenance is crucial; missing it could affect the car's lifespan and waste the free opportunity.
