What are the Three Guarantees?
3 Answers
The Three Guarantees refer to guarantee for repair, replacement, and refund. According to the Three Guarantees Law, if the same fault is repaired more than five times, the car can be replaced. Alternatively, if the repair time exceeds 35 days after a fault occurs, the car can also be replaced. From the date of invoice issuance, within 60 days or 3,000 kilometers, the car can be returned or replaced if the following faults occur: failure of the steering system, failure of the braking system, body cracking, or fuel leakage. During the validity period of the Three Guarantees, if the car experiences serious safety performance faults and has been repaired more than twice without resolution; if the engine or transmission has been repaired more than twice but still cannot function normally; or if the same major component of the steering system, suspension system, or body has been repaired more than twice due to quality issues and the fault persists—under these circumstances, a refund or replacement can be requested.
I used to wonder what the 'Three Guarantees' meant when buying a car. Simply put, the Three Guarantees are repair, replacement, and refund. Repair means fixing the car for free if there's a problem; replacement means getting a new car if it can't be fixed; and refund means getting your money back if the issue is too severe to resolve. This policy is common in the automotive industry, mainly to protect consumer rights, and is generally valid for new cars within 2 years, but it depends on the specific brand and contract. I've even heard of cases where someone's car engine failed within a month, and they got a new engine under the Three Guarantees, saving a lot of money. Remember to keep repair records and invoices promptly to prevent dealers from shirking responsibility and making it harder to claim your rights. Warranty periods vary by car model, with luxury cars sometimes offering longer coverage—always ask for details before buying.
As a guy who changes cars frequently, I know the three-guarantee policy inside out. It covers three things: repair, replacement, and refund. Repair handles quality issues; replacement swaps the whole car if the problem can't be fixed; refund is for absolutely unresolvable cases. Last time I bought an SUV, the brake system failed after six months, and under the three-guarantee policy, I could demand a replacement or refund. This applies within the first two years, as long as the mileage doesn’t exceed the limit. The key is not to wait for major issues—regular maintenance and checks keep your car in good shape and ensure solid evidence if something goes wrong. Brands like Volkswagen and Toyota have similar three-guarantee standards, but new energy vehicles might have more flexible policies, so always check the after-sales terms when buying.
