What to Do If the First Maintenance Cannot Be Done at a 4S Shop?
4 Answers
You can find a nearby authorized service station for the first maintenance; or consult the selling 4S shop or the manufacturer to see if there are any authorized repair shops in the local area that can perform the first maintenance. In cases where there is no local 4S shop, you can negotiate with the 4S shop where you purchased the car to take away the relevant materials for the first maintenance and handle it yourself later. The first maintenance must be recorded in the system, and the nationwide warranty will only take effect after the first maintenance is completed. The first maintenance must be done at a 4S shop or an authorized repair shop designated by the manufacturer. Apart from regular maintenance, this reason is also because the 4S shop staff needs to enter and archive your car's code during the first maintenance, which then officially activates your car's "identity card." Only after the first maintenance is archived with this code will your car's nationwide warranty officially take effect. When picking up the car in a different location, the selling 4S shop should provide the free maintenance (once or twice) by giving the required engine oil and oil filter to the buyer to take away. The 2-year or 60,000-kilometer warranty items can be serviced at the nearest 4S shop or authorized service station. You can also make a free call to consult the selling 4S shop or the manufacturer to check if there are any authorized service stations in your local area.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many discussions about the first maintenance. The main risk of not doing the first maintenance at a 4S shop is that it may affect the warranty rights, as many car brands require maintenance at official designated shops to maintain the warranty. First, check your car purchase contract or user manual to see what the specific terms are. Some new cars offer free first maintenance, and I suggest not wasting the opportunity to go to a 4S shop to avoid trouble. But if you're on a tight budget, you can choose a reliable independent repair shop where prices are cheaper. Remember to keep all maintenance invoices and records to prove that you used genuine oil and filters. In case of major problems later, these documents can help you prove that it wasn't due to improper maintenance. However, it's best to visit a 4S shop at least once during the new car phase, spending some time to ensure everything is in order and avoid higher repair costs later. Overall, the first maintenance is the starting point of the maintenance cycle, so don't overlook its importance.
When our family was changing cars before, I also struggled with where to go for the first maintenance. As a homemaker, I always want to save money, but I have to calculate carefully. If the first maintenance is free at the 4S shop, then go directly and don’t miss the benefit. If it’s not free and the 4S shop charges a high fee, you can ask a reputable small shop for a quote—it can save you quite a bit. But remember, the maintenance content must be the same, such as changing the oil and checking the brakes. The risk of not going to the 4S shop is that the warranty may become void, and the manufacturer might not honor it, leaving you to pay for repairs out of pocket. I suggest calling customer service first to ask about the brand’s policy and keeping the maintenance receipts, even taking photos as backup. If financially feasible, going back to the 4S shop is more reassuring; if money is tight, choose a small shop with a qualified mechanic and insist on using genuine parts, not substandard ones. This way, you save money and stay safe.
Having worked in the auto repair business for ten years, I've seen all kinds of maintenance scenarios. The first maintenance mainly involves oil filter changes and system checks. If you skip the dealership, a trusted local shop can do it well with lower labor costs. But regarding warranty: some manufacturers explicitly require first maintenance records from authorized dealers, otherwise major failures like engine issues won't be covered. Check your owner's manual for policy details. Always use correct specification parts during maintenance - no compromises. The risk is that early defect detection matters, and dealerships have more comprehensive equipment. I'd advise new car owners to play it safe at dealerships, while older cars are less critical. Keep all maintenance receipts for future proof. Simply put, don't stress too much but stay cautious.
