Will the 4S shop arrange a replacement car for customers during car repairs?
3 Answers
If the repair time exceeds 5 days, the 4S shop will arrange a replacement car for customers. If it is less than 5 days, a replacement car is generally not provided. According to Article 19 of the "Regulations on the Responsibility for Repair, Replacement, and Return of Household Automobile Products," during the warranty period of household automobile products, if each repair due to quality issues (including waiting time for repair spare parts) exceeds 5 days, the consumer should be provided with a replacement car or reasonable transportation cost compensation. The repair time is calculated from the time the consumer and the repairer confirm the repair until the repair is completed. A repair that takes less than 24 hours is counted as one day. If the 4S shop indeed cannot provide or has no replacement cars available, you may consider nearby 4S shops that have been operating for a shorter time. Generally, long-established and large-scale 4S shops have more vehicles sent for repairs, and replacement cars are usually all allocated, while newer 4S shops may still have replacement cars available.
I often go to the 4S shop for car repairs and have encountered situations where I needed a temporary replacement car. Generally, if the repair time is relatively long, such as exceeding two days, the shop usually provides a free temporary car for me to use. This is super important for someone like me who relies on a car to commute to work, avoiding delays in work and daily arrangements. However, not all shops automatically offer this, especially for minor repairs or without prior appointments. I've noticed that high-end brands like BMW or Audi tend to be more generous, possibly having a dedicated fleet of cars for such purposes, while ordinary brands may only offer free services to VIP members. I recommend asking clearly before sending the car for repairs to save a lot of trouble. Once, my car had engine issues and was in the shop for a week. The 4S shop provided a temporary car, allowing me to take my kids to school without any stress, greatly improving my satisfaction. Just remember to bring your driver's license and insurance documents just in case.
As a car enthusiast who has worked on countless vehicles, I've found that 4S shops are quite flexible when it comes to arranging courtesy cars. It mainly depends on the repair duration and the shop's policy. For major overhauls that take longer, shops will typically provide a free or low-cost courtesy car as part of their customer service, especially common at luxury brand dealerships. However, for minor services like one or two-day maintenance, they might not offer it proactively—you'll need to request it yourself. I've experienced this several times: some shops provide cars for free through membership programs, while others may require a small deposit. I recommend checking your contract details in advance or calling to confirm, rather than waiting until you're at the shop to ask. This service can make the repair period much smoother and reduce transportation anxiety, especially for frequent drivers like me. It reflects the shop's professionalism and thoughtfulness, adding significant value to their service.
