What to Do When There Are Quality Issues with a New Car?
5 Answers
If problems arise with a new car, you can contact the 4S store to apply for after-sales service. The decision to replace or refund the car will be based on the nature of the problem. Below is an introduction to relevant knowledge about car after-sales service: 1. Car "Three Guarantees": The "Three Guarantees" refer to the regulations on repair, replacement, and refund for car quality issues, namely the "Regulations on the Responsibility for the Repair, Replacement, and Return of Household Automobile Products" issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which has been implemented since October 1, 2013. 2. After-sales channels: When car quality issues arise, negotiating with the dealer is the most direct and common method. According to the car "Three Guarantees" regulations, during the warranty period, if there are quality issues with the vehicle, you can enjoy free vehicle repair services; if a breakdown occurs while driving and the car cannot continue, the 4S store needs to send someone to the site for repairs. Related compensation should also be provided by the 4S store for situations such as towing fees and repair times exceeding 5 days.
When I noticed a problem with my new car, I immediately thought not to wait until it gets worse. Last time, my car started making strange noises just two weeks after purchase, so I drove straight to the 4S store to discuss it with them. New cars come with a warranty period, usually covering free repairs within 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. They will conduct a thorough inspection for issues like engine oil leaks or loose interior parts. Keep the purchase invoice and photos of the problem as evidence for future disputes. If you feel the service attitude is poor, you can call the manufacturer to complain or seek help from consumer associations to protect your rights. Addressing issues promptly can prevent minor problems from escalating—for example, an unaddressed electrical short circuit could lead to a fire. I believe it's important to pay attention to the dashboard warning lights while driving and record the exact time to help technicians diagnose the issue quickly. Safety comes first; don't ignore new car problems—solve them early to save trouble and effort.
As a car buyer, I prioritize protecting my rights. Under the three-guarantee policy, quality issues with new cars can be repaired or replaced for free. If defects are found during inspection, insist on reasonable handling. First, negotiate with the 4S store, detailing the problems such as brake failure or air conditioning not cooling. If they evade responsibility, remember to keep call records and inspection reports, and report to the 12315 consumer hotline. The new car recall policy applies to serious issues; don't hesitate to report to the manufacturer or the General Administration of Quality Supervision to ensure others' safety. Regularly read the vehicle manual to understand warranty details and prevent future disputes. Be patient and evidence-based during the rights protection process; gentle communication often works—don't fall for tricks and accept substandard service.
I have some knowledge about cars and prefer to inspect new car issues myself first. For example, checking tire pressure or looking for leakage traces in the engine compartment. Simple problems like a burnt-out headlight bulb might be replaced by myself. For issues beyond my understanding, I visit professional repair shops for diagnosis, as modern cars often experience electronic system failures such as frozen navigation or malfunctioning door locks. During the warranty period, priority is given to 4S dealerships for free repairs, providing detailed problem descriptions like occurrence frequency. Avoid random disassembly and don't take risks with safety - immediately stop driving if airbag issues are involved. Regular maintenance helps detect potential problems early.
When my new car has issues, I weigh the costs and benefits. Take advantage of the warranty period to get free repairs—don't waste this opportunity. Quality problems often affect vehicle performance, like a sudden increase in fuel consumption. Delaying repairs may raise costs and shorten the car's lifespan. Compare repair options, prioritizing authorized dealers but also shop around for the best price. Maintaining good quality in a new car preserves its resale value; if it breaks down, report it to the manufacturer for possible compensation. Keep records of issues to negotiate better when selling the car later. Non-urgent problems like audio system failures can wait, but safety-related issues like steering malfunctions must be prioritized.
