Should car maintenance be done at a 4S shop or outside?
2 Answers
For maintenance and repairs, it is advisable to choose a 4S shop as it offers better after-sales service. For vehicles out of warranty, maintenance can be done outside at a lower cost. However, it is recommended to replace transmission oil, differential oil, and fuel filters at a 4S shop for better assurance. Advantages and disadvantages of 4S shops and repair shops: 1. 4S shops: They are more professional and can provide comprehensive solutions, but there may be cases where a small faulty part leads to the replacement of the entire component. 2. Repair shops: They are cheaper and more experienced in handling minor issues. They often specialize in certain car models, ensuring a certain level of professionalism and offering solutions that are relatively official. However, their skill levels vary, and they may lack the expertise and professional equipment for certain car models, resulting in poor after-sales service.
I've been driving for over a decade and always felt that 4S shop maintenance is reliable but too expensive. For my old clunker, an oil and filter change at the neighborhood auto repair shop costs just 300 yuan, while the 4S shop charges double. But let me remind you, for anything involving the engine or transmission, it's better to go to the 4S shop—they have all the computer equipment and can read model-specific fault codes. Last time I got a timing belt replaced outside, the mechanic almost damaged a sensor, which would have been more trouble than it's worth.
