Is There a Difference Between Maintenance at a 4S Shop and Outside?
2 Answers
There is a difference between maintenance at a 4S shop and outside. The main difference lies in the supply channels for repair parts: 4S shops source their maintenance and repair parts uniformly from the manufacturer, while outside maintenance shops have non-fixed supply channels for parts. Maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a car, also known as car servicing. Car maintenance items include: 1. Changing engine oil, oil filters, air conditioning filters, and air filters; 2. Checking the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Checking the fluid levels of the brake and clutch systems, as well as the power steering fluid reservoir; 4. Inspecting all oil pipe interfaces in the system for leaks; 5. Checking front and rear lights; 6. Checking tire pressure and wear, and tightening screws to the specified torque.
The difference between 4S shops and outside maintenance is quite significant. I've compared the prices myself—getting serviced at a 4S shop costs at least a few hundred yuan more. Their labor fees are higher, and all parts are genuine OEM products, ensuring quality but hitting the wallet hard. Outside repair shops are much cheaper. For example, at the chain store I frequent, bringing my own engine oil saves even more. However, you need to pay attention to warranty issues. For the first few years of a new car, servicing at a 4S shop means the manufacturer won’t argue if something goes wrong. Once out of warranty, you can choose any outside shop without worries. The key is also the authenticity of parts. Once, I replaced brake pads at a roadside stall, only to hear strange noises after two months—turns out they were aftermarket parts, a costly lesson. Choosing where to maintain your car is a balance between your budget and safety.
