Should a 5-year-old car still go to a 4S shop for maintenance?

[OHector]

5-year-old cars do not need to go to a 4S shop for maintenance. Here are the specific details about car maintenance: 1. Definition: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. 2. Types: Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system (engine), transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. 3. Purpose: The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, in normal technical condition, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.

[VonChase]

My car has been running for exactly five years now, and I’ve basically stopped going to the 4S shop for maintenance—it’s just too expensive. In the first few years of owning a new car, I obediently went there, mainly because any issues within the warranty period had to be handled by the manufacturer. But once the five-year mark passes, the warranty usually expires, and continuing routine maintenance at the 4S shop is simply a waste of money. For example, an oil change at the 4S shop might cost over a thousand bucks, while a reputable auto repair shop near my place charges half that and provides excellent service. I’ve made it a habit to compare prices and services, and I’ve found that independent shops have skilled technicians—just make sure they use genuine parts. Unless there’s a specific issue requiring factory diagnostics, minor maintenance can definitely be done elsewhere. After five years, things like tires and brakes might need replacing, and the 4S shop’s quotes are often overpriced—better to get them done at specialized shops. Crunching the numbers, the savings can cover several fuel refills. The key is sticking to regular maintenance to avoid breakdowns. I’d advise car owners to do some research and try out reliable local options.

[Clinton]

As a car owner, I believe whether to go to a 4S dealership for a five-year car maintenance mainly depends on the warranty status. My car has just turned five years old. When it was new, it had a three-year full vehicle warranty, but the engine still has a five-year warranty. If the warranty is still valid, going to a 4S dealership ensures service coverage; otherwise, the manufacturer won't honor it. Once out of warranty, you have much more freedom. I now choose to service my car at a familiar repair shop where the technicians are experienced and the prices are reasonable. Keeping complete maintenance records can even increase the car's resale value. For a five-year-old car, it's crucial to focus on checking major components like brakes, tires, and the transmission. While 4S dealerships are professional, their costs are high, making independent shops more cost-effective. I recommend developing a maintenance routine, checking the engine oil and filter monthly—simple maintenance tasks you can even do at home to save time and costs. The key is to balance reliability and cost, not just blindly chasing original manufacturer services.

[DiAbel]

My car is over five years old, and I've always insisted on servicing it at the 4S dealership for peace of mind. They have professional equipment, skilled technicians, and use only genuine parts with guaranteed quality. Although it's a bit more expensive, it saves me a lot of hassle. After driving it for so long without major issues, every maintenance session has been thorough and comprehensive. A five-year-old car isn't new anymore, and parts are prone to wear, making reliable maintenance even more crucial to prevent potential problems. Personally, I prefer this one-stop service for its convenience and complete records. I recommend not taking risks to save money by going to small shops—after all, the car is part of family property, and safety comes first.