Should maintenance be done at 4S dealerships or outside?
2 Answers
It is recommended to choose 4S dealerships for maintenance as they provide reliable after-sales service. There are two types of car maintenance methods: 1. Minor maintenance: The maintenance interval depends on the effective time or mileage of the engine oil and oil filter used. Different brands and grades of mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil have varying validity periods, which should follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Oil filters are generally divided into conventional and long-life types. Conventional oil filters are replaced together with the engine oil, while long-life oil filters have a longer service life. 2. Major maintenance: Performed at the manufacturer-specified time or mileage, the main tasks include replacing the engine oil and oil filter. Major maintenance is based on minor maintenance, and typically, these two types of maintenance are performed alternately.
I used to be a new car owner and insisted on servicing my vehicle at the 4S shop for the first few years, mainly due to warranty concerns. If any issues arise and the car isn't serviced at an authorized location, the manufacturer might not honor the warranty, leaving you to foot the repair bill—a costly risk. 4S shops use genuine parts, their technicians are well-trained, and inspections are more thorough, covering everything from brakes to the cooling system. Although each service costs a few hundred yuan more, it gives peace of mind, especially for long trips. However, based on my experience, once the warranty expires, there's no need to stick strictly to 4S shops. Finding a reputable independent repair shop can be just as reliable and saves money, allowing you to allocate funds to other maintenance items. When choosing a shop, I prioritize credentials and reputation over cheap, unlicensed options. In short, prioritize 4S shops during the warranty period, but feel free to explore other options afterward for more flexibility.
