Can the first car maintenance be done nationwide?
2 Answers
Car first maintenance can be done nationwide, but the owner must bring the vehicle's maintenance manual or first maintenance card. All car manufacturers stipulate that the first maintenance must be completed within 5,000 kilometers or six months of driving, whichever comes first. A car is a very complex large machine, and during operation, various mechanical components will experience wear and tear, combined with external human and environmental factors, leading to vehicle deterioration. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing.
After buying my car, I often traveled for work and had the first maintenance done in another city without any issues. That time I drove from Shanghai to Beijing, booked a local 4S store through the brand app two days in advance, and the front desk recognized my car by scanning the VIN—the system is nationwide, so all records are there. They changed the oil for free and checked the brakes, and the whole process took just half an hour. I recommend bringing the maintenance manual and purchase invoice just in case, as some stores might need to verify the details. Actually, most mainstream brands like Toyota and Volkswagen allow cross-regional servicing, so it’s very convenient—don’t worry about disrupting your trip. If you’re in a remote area, call the local dealer first to confirm their service coverage and ensure it’s an authorized service point. Regular maintenance is good for the car, and don’t delay the first service to avoid affecting the warranty.