Does a new car need maintenance after three months?
3 Answers
New cars require maintenance after three months for the following reasons: 1. New cars have a specified first maintenance period, and failure to participate in the first maintenance on time will be considered as out of warranty; 2. New cars have a break-in period, and driving more during the first three months for break-in will have a significant impact on the car's lifespan, safety, and fuel economy. The first maintenance items for a new car include: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, and cleaning the air filter, checking whether the generator belt and wiper blades are damaged; 2. Checking whether the levels of various fluids are normal; 3. Checking whether the tire pressure is normal and whether the tires have uneven wear, bulges, or damage; 4. Inspecting the car chassis, including the brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints for scratches; 5. Verifying whether all switches and lights in the car are working properly.
I've driven quite a few new cars, and generally speaking, new cars don't require mandatory formal maintenance within three months. The manufacturer's manual usually specifies the first service at 5,000 kilometers or after six months. Getting maintenance done at three months seems a bit too early unless you're driving long distances daily or under extremely poor road conditions. However, new cars have a break-in period, so it's advisable to do a simple check after three months: verify if the engine oil level is normal, check tire pressure stability, and listen for any unusual noises in the braking system. Neglecting this could lead to accumulated wear inside the engine, making future repairs more expensive. Additionally, some modern models come with sensors that will alert you to perform a self-check when maintenance is needed. In short, don't stress too much, but regular preventive checks are a good habit for safe driving.
From a safety perspective, the key to 3-month new car maintenance really depends on usage conditions. If you only drive in the city for daily commute, you might have just 1,000-2,000 km after three months – no rush for maintenance, wait until six months. However, if you've driven on highways or mountainous areas, the wheels and suspension system may experience extra stress. In such cases, it's best to visit a 4S shop or roadside garage for a quick check-up: test fluid levels and chassis condition. Safety first – small issues can escalate into major accidents. That one time I didn't check my tires, the pressure was dangerously low at three months, nearly causing a blowout. Remember, timely inspections can prevent roadside troubles.
