What Documents Are Needed for Car Maintenance?
3 Answers
When going to a 4S shop for car maintenance, essential items to bring include the maintenance manual and vehicle registration. If unsure, it's important to clarify in advance as requirements may vary by 4S shop. Before maintenance, make an appointment with the 4S shop; otherwise, you might encounter situations like no available service bays or long waiting times. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life. Most cars do not require payment for the first maintenance, and related labor costs are free. Do not be swayed by the recommendations of service advisors. If the car has no major issues, simply go to the shop for an oil and oil filter change; other services are unnecessary as 4S shops generally charge high labor costs and have high parts markups. If any abnormalities are noticed in a new car, it's crucial to provide feedback at the shop. If the car is still under warranty, you can file a claim. Key parts are recommended to be replaced at 4S shops—although their parts and labor costs are higher, the quality is guaranteed to be original factory parts.
I've been maintaining my car for several years, and every time I go for service, I bring the vehicle registration certificate—it's a must to prove ownership. Also, don't forget the insurance policy and driver's license, as some places require them. Make sure to bring your appointment slip and check the list on your phone in advance to save time. Once, I forgot my registration and had to make an extra trip, waiting an hour to get a replacement. I recommend keeping these documents in the glove compartment for easy access. Regularly check that these papers aren't folded or worn, as it could affect readability. If your car is still under warranty, bring the warranty manual to update the records and ensure smooth service later on. In short, being prepared makes maintenance more efficient.
I used to be clueless and fumbled during my first maintenance visit. Later, I learned that bringing the vehicle license is mostly sufficient, and you can add the insurance policy if you're really worried. Booking via the APP is very convenient, as electronic records handle most things. Don’t stress too much—just walk in, and the technicians will guide you. Keep the documents simple; no need to complicate things. Bringing a driver’s license and keeping an ID card handy is also fine. The key is to stay relaxed, wear comfortable clothes, and be ready to pay with cash or card. The whole process can be done in as little as half an hour—no pressure. After all, it’s just routine maintenance, so don’t let such a small thing bother you.
