What is the difference between maintenance at a 4S shop and outside maintenance?
2 Answers
The differences between maintenance at a 4S shop and outside maintenance: 1. Different risks: Maintenance at a 4S shop has lower risks and is guaranteed; outside maintenance carries higher risks and lacks guarantees. 2. Different efficiency: Maintenance at a 4S shop is less efficient, but the technology and car parts are genuine; outside maintenance is more efficient, but the parts are not original. Car owners can freely choose where to maintain their vehicles. If the quality issues of the car are not causally related to the maintenance, or if the maintenance at another car 4S shop did not cause damage, the operator cannot be exempted from the three-guarantee responsibility. However, in practice, there are still certain risks.
I've always been used to maintaining my car at external repair shops because it feels more cost-effective. A routine maintenance at a dealership can easily cost over a thousand bucks, while at a familiar chain shop or small workshop, it usually only costs around five or six hundred, saving quite a bit of expense. Dealerships do use genuine parts and follow standard procedures, but the issue is the inflated prices and some unnecessary services. When getting maintenance outside, I go to places recommended by acquaintances to ensure the mechanics are reliable and the parts aren’t subpar. One thing to watch out for is the new car warranty—it’s safest to stick with the dealership for the first few years, or they might shift blame if issues arise, but after the warranty period, you’re free to choose. Keeping maintenance records and invoices is crucial—they serve as evidence if something goes wrong with the car. Overall, it depends on your budget and risk tolerance—choose flexibly.
