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