Is the maintenance provided by 4S stores free?
2 Answers
If it is a free maintenance item clearly listed as a gift by the 4S store, no payment is required. However, after maintenance is performed at the 4S store, the after-sales service usually recommends that the owner perform other non-free items. The following is an introduction to maintenance: 1. Car maintenance: Maintenance is very important for cars. Maintenance involves replacing some fluids and wear parts in the car. The fluids in the car include engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, power steering oil, and brake fluid. 2. Wear parts: The wear parts in the car include various filters, belts, wipers, tires, brake pads, brake discs, batteries, etc. In daily car use, engine oil is called the blood of the engine. Engine oil plays the roles of lubrication, cleaning, sealing, heat dissipation, buffering, and rust prevention in the engine, so engine oil is very important for the engine. Every time the engine oil is changed, the oil filter should be replaced together.
Yes, the maintenance services offered by 4S dealerships are usually free, but only for specific items like basic oil changes, filter replacements, or minor inspections. Based on my years of driving experience, this is their way of attracting customers—something you can negotiate when purchasing the car. However, you need to pay attention to the details: the validity period might only last a year or even shorter, and the service coupons clearly state what’s included, excluding additional parts or upgrades. For example, last time I went in, they changed the oil for free, but the technician noticed worn brake pads and recommended a replacement, which I had to pay for out of pocket. That’s why I always advise friends to bring a copy of the contract to avoid misunderstandings. Doing so can save you a few hundred bucks—pretty cost-effective—while regular maintenance also helps your car last longer.
