What Does Dealer Warranty Mean?
2 Answers
Dealer warranty refers to the warranty provided by the 4S dealership or car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and it does not qualify for nationwide warranty coverage. The main aspects of dealer warranty and reasons for ineligibility are as follows: Main aspects: Generally, the car warranty period refers to the manufacturer's commitment to consumers, offering free repairs and maintenance for faults caused by quality issues within this timeframe. There are two conditions for the warranty period: one is a time limit of 2 years, and the other is a mileage limit of 60,000 kilometers. If either of these conditions is met, it indicates that the vehicle's warranty has expired, and normal maintenance or repairs will no longer be free. Reasons for ineligibility: Failure to perform maintenance as required: If the owner does not take the new car to the designated 4S dealership or manufacturer-authorized service station for regular maintenance within the specified mileage, any issues that arise, even during the warranty period, will require the owner to pay certain repair costs. Unauthorized modifications to the vehicle: "No warranty for modified vehicles" is a common stance among almost all manufacturers regarding warranty issues. Some brands even stipulate in their warranty terms that if the owner changes the vehicle's purpose, such as using it for rental, leasing, or competitive racing, it will be considered a voluntary forfeiture of warranty rights. Damage caused by improper use: The car warranty period only provides broad protection for customers. Damage resulting from improper use or traffic accidents is the responsibility of the owner or their insurance company.
I'm a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience. Dealer maintenance, simply put, refers to the exclusive maintenance and warranty services provided by authorized 4S dealerships. When you purchase a car, they require you to perform all maintenance work there—like oil changes and brake inspections—instead of going to random roadside shops, otherwise the new car warranty becomes void. It may sound restrictive, but the benefits are substantial: technicians use genuine tools and parts, ensuring better vehicle performance, safety, and reliability. I still remember once trying to save money by going to a no-name shop for maintenance, only to end up with transmission issues that cost me out-of-pocket repairs—totally not worth it. Now I stick to dealer maintenance, and going back regularly even gets me free inspections or car washes. It feels like my car's condition is as good as when it was new. For those who frequently drive long distances, this kind of service helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.