Should I go to a 4S shop or an outside garage for car maintenance?
2 Answers
It is recommended to go to a 4S shop for regular maintenance during the vehicle warranty period. Here are some precautions about vehicle maintenance: 1. Cleaning and maintenance of the cooling system: Generally, the car should be cleaned and maintained once when the seasons change between winter and summer, or every 6 to 8 months during normal driving, or when encountering high water temperature, water leakage, or boiling. Remove traces and scale that cause engine overheating, prevent harmful corrosion, avoid and stop leakage of seals and radiators, and completely replace the old coolant. 2. Cleaning and maintenance of the transmission: Under normal circumstances, the car should be cleaned and maintained once every 20,000 km to 25,000 km, or when encountering transmission slippage, high water temperature, slow shifting, or system leakage. Remove harmful sludge and varnish deposits, restore the elasticity of gaskets and O-rings, make the transmission shift smoothly, improve power output, and completely replace the old automatic transmission fluid.
As an average family car owner, I believe choosing between dealership service centers and independent repair shops really depends on individual circumstances. After my car passed the warranty period following several years of use, I initially stuck with dealership services for peace of mind—they use genuine parts and provide manufacturer-backed service, but the costs are significantly higher. A basic maintenance service at the dealership cost me over 1,000 RMB, while independent shops charged only half that. Later, I tried a well-reviewed independent shop and found their service equally good, with technicians using certified parts. The savings allowed me to allocate funds to travel or household expenses. However, dealerships maintain comprehensive service records, which can boost resale value. For cars still under warranty, I strongly recommend sticking with dealership services to avoid voiding coverage. For older vehicles, independent shops offer better value, but it's crucial to choose a reputable one—check online reviews or get recommendations. Don't just focus on price; genuine parts matter, as counterfeit ones can damage the engine. Balancing these factors, I now opt for independent shops for minor maintenance to save money, while returning to dealerships for major services to ensure quality.
