Should I Still Go to the 4S Shop After the First Maintenance?
3 Answers
After the first maintenance, if within the warranty period, it is still recommended to maintain the car at the 4S shop. Here is some relevant information: 1. Keep the relevant receipts: It is advisable to maintain the car at the 4S shop to avoid a lot of trouble if the car develops problems. However, if you choose to maintain it outside, it is recommended to select a regular and reliable repair shop with complete procedures and keep the relevant receipts. 2. Required documents: Business license of the repair shop, operating license for the repair industry, manufacturer's authorization certificate, settlement invoice for maintenance, proof of use and qualification certificate for maintenance parts, and the qualification certificate of the repair technician.
When I first bought a car, I also thought I could get it serviced anywhere after the initial maintenance, but it actually depends on the situation. If the car is still under warranty, manufacturers usually require regular maintenance at authorized 4S shops, otherwise they may refuse compensation if problems arise. I insisted on going to the 4S shop for three years back then—although it was a bit more expensive, the technicians were more professional and the inspections were more thorough, allowing potential issues to be detected early. After the warranty expired, I started using a neighborhood repair shop, where an oil change cost only half as much. I suggest new car owners avoid taking risks at least until the warranty period ends—otherwise, the cost of repairing an engine or transmission out of pocket can be shocking. This is a long-term investment; proper maintenance can extend the car's lifespan.
I'm quite cost-conscious, so after the first maintenance, I asked around. The maintenance cost at a 4S shop is high, with engine oil and labor costing around 700-800 yuan, while a roadside shop might only charge 300-400 yuan. But remember, if you don’t go to a 4S shop during the warranty period, problems may arise—the manufacturer could refuse compensation by claiming you didn’t follow the required maintenance. My car has a five-year warranty, so for the first three years, I went to the 4S shop to play it safe. Later, for minor issues like replacing the cabin air filter, I either did it myself or went to a small workshop. I suggest checking the manual to confirm and avoid losing big for small savings. Also, when choosing a place outside the warranty, check the reputation—some small shops are quite reliable. The money saved can be used elsewhere, like travel.