Can the first maintenance be done in advance?
3 Answers
Yes, the first maintenance can be done in advance. Below are the precautions for the first maintenance: 1. The first maintenance of a new car must include inspection and replacement of six major components. It is essential to change the engine oil and oil filter, and clean the air filter. Check whether the coolant level is normal. Inspect the car's brakes and whether there are any scratches on the chassis components. 2. Check whether the power steering fluid level is normal and whether there is any oil leakage at the oil pipe connections. Inspect the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and the aging and tightness of the belts. Check the tire pressure and wear condition, and perform tire rotation if there is wear. According to relevant regulations, exceeding the first maintenance date is considered as voluntarily giving up the right to the first maintenance. If the first maintenance is not performed, any future quality issues with the car will not be covered under warranty. Car owners must pay attention to the dealer's reminders, so do not miss the first maintenance deadline.
I've been driving for over 30 years, so I'm quite familiar with this topic. While it's possible to do an early first maintenance, it's generally unnecessary unless there are special circumstances with the vehicle. Usually, the first maintenance for a new car has a specified mileage, such as 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers, which is determined by the manufacturer based on testing. If you do it early without reason, not only is it a waste of money, but you also waste good engine oil. However, if the car is shaking or making unusual noises while driving, doing it early can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. I remember one of my cars—I bought it new and immediately used it for long-distance hauling. I went for maintenance before reaching half the recommended mileage, and the mechanic said the engine oil was already black. After cleaning, the engine ran much smoother. My advice is to pay attention to your car's condition regularly and follow the manual for the safest approach. Don’t arbitrarily change the schedule to avoid more harm than good. Regularly checking tire pressure and filters is also a good habit that can help extend your car's lifespan.
I just bought a car and have been thinking about this too. It should be okay to do the first maintenance in advance, but it depends on the reason. For example, with a new car on the road, I'm always worried about engine issues. If there's severe traffic congestion in the city or a lot of driving on rough roads, doing it a bit earlier might protect the car. However, the manual says the first maintenance is reasonable at six months or 5,000 kilometers, so I'd need to ask the 4S shop in advance if there would be any charges or warranty implications. Cost-wise, an extra trip would cost money and might waste new parts; but safety comes first—if there's any potential issue, dealing with it early brings peace of mind. I recommend checking the oil dipstick and filter yourself first—it's simpler and can save money. Also, combining it with daily driving habits, like reducing idling or taking more highway trips instead of short drives, can help reduce maintenance frequency. Overall, it's best to judge based on personal needs and not blindly follow trends.
