Should car maintenance follow the maintenance manual or the 4S shop?
3 Answers
Car maintenance should follow the maintenance manual. Below are relevant introductions about car maintenance: 1. First maintenance: Some manufacturers will determine the first maintenance based on time or mileage. The specific and accurate first maintenance time should be based on the vehicle user manual or warranty manual. The first maintenance is very important and free, so be sure to remember to do it to avoid missing the first maintenance and affecting the car's three-guarantee issues. 2. Maintenance items: The main maintenance items for car maintenance include replacing engine oil, oil filters, transmission oil, spark plugs, air conditioning filters, air filters, brake fluid, etc. However, not all items need to be replaced every time, as it depends on their service life. In addition, maintenance also involves inspection and maintenance of dozens of items across multiple systems such as the engine, transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension, body, and tires.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe the maintenance manual should be the first reference for car upkeep. It's the authoritative guide formulated by manufacturers based on vehicle characteristics and testing, so it won't steer you wrong. I used to follow the dealership's advice and ended up wasting money—for instance, the manual recommends oil changes every 8,000 km, but the dealership pushed for 5,000 km intervals, yet inspections showed no issues. Of course, dealership expertise can be valuable for complex diagnostics, but for routine items like filter or tire checks, the manual is more reliable and cost-effective. Make it a habit to review the manual before each service and discuss with the dealership, not letting them take the lead. This approach extends your car's lifespan and enhances safety. The key is learning some basics yourself—don't blindly follow others. After all, it's your car, and the manual is the best roadmap.
When I first bought my car, I knew nothing and just followed whatever the 4S shop said, doing whatever they recommended for convenience and peace of mind. But after driving for a few months, I realized the suggestions in the manual were more practical and could help avoid being misled. For example, my manual stated the brake pad inspection interval was two years, but the 4S shop insisted they needed replacement after just one year—turns out, it was completely unnecessary. Now, before every maintenance visit, I check the manual first to understand the standard items and schedule, then consult the 4S shop for specific issues. This not only saves money but also helps me gradually learn some car knowledge, avoiding panic. I suggest new car owners strike a similar balance: treat the manual as the foundation and use the 4S shop for troubleshooting—don’t blindly trust or distrust everything. In the long run, this protects your wallet and boosts driving confidence.
