Will the manufacturer still honor the warranty if the car is not serviced at a 4S shop?
1 Answers
The manufacturer will still honor the warranty even if the car is not serviced at a 4S shop. The "Regulations on the Administration of Motor Vehicle Maintenance" clearly stipulate that manufacturers and 4S shops cannot refuse to provide warranty services on the grounds that the vehicle was not maintained at an authorized service center, meaning car owners are free to choose their preferred repair shop. Except for the automobile manufacturer fulfilling its responsibilities for defective vehicle recalls and the "Three Guarantees" for vehicle quality, no entity or individual may force or covertly force the designation of a maintenance service provider. Therefore, car owners can freely choose where to service their vehicles, and 4S shops must comply with providing warranty services. However, it is important to note that if maintenance is performed elsewhere, the owner must retain invoices, maintenance records, and certificates for replaced parts as proof. That said, servicing at a 4S shop has its advantages, as 4S shops use manufacturer-specified oils and maintenance products and can guide customers on proper usage and fault feedback based on their driving conditions, which external repair shops may not offer with the same level of professionalism.
