How long does it take to perform the first maintenance on a car?
4 Answers
Depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, the first maintenance typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Below is a partial introduction regarding the first maintenance of a car: 1. Key items: The main tasks of the first maintenance for a new car are changing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Reason: The period before the first maintenance is the running-in phase of the vehicle. During this time, as the engine gradually breaks in, mechanical impurities such as dust, metal wear, and carbon deposits continuously mix into the engine oil. Driving at high speeds can cause abnormal engine wear. If the debris and impurities generated by the engine operation are not promptly removed, they may cause abnormal damage to the internal parts of the cylinders.
The first maintenance for a new car can be done in about an hour, but it's recommended to reserve half a day. I just accompanied a friend to do it last week, mainly depending on how busy the 4S shop is. The basic maintenance takes just over twenty minutes: changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking tire pressure and lights, and cleaning the filter. However, waiting in line for a service bay takes the most time, especially on weekends, where you might wait at least two hours. If you let them wash the car or upgrade the system while they're at it, it takes even longer. That time, we arrived at 10 a.m. and didn't get the car back until after lunch. Actually, the time for the first maintenance mainly depends on the mechanic's schedule. It's advisable to go on a weekday morning and bring a tablet to watch dramas—it's more cost-effective.
From my experience, being the first one in the morning can get your car back before lunch. An oil change itself only takes about half an hour, but the shop has its procedures: 15 minutes for reception and paperwork, 20 minutes for the mechanic's full vehicle inspection, 15 minutes for draining and replacing the oil, and finally, washing and handing over the car. Factoring in queue time, you're looking at roughly two hours from start to finish. Don't forget to bring your maintenance manual—last time I saw a customer who forgot theirs, and the shop had to spend an extra 20 minutes checking the VIN. If you watch the mechanics work in the shop, you'll notice they're particularly thorough when inspecting things like chassis bolts and brake pads, which is a good thing.
Tested three times for the first maintenance: the fastest took 45 minutes, the slowest three hours. It mainly depends on the number of inspection items. Luxury brands usually require a deep diagnosis connected to the vehicle's computer, while regular brands just drain the oil and leave in half an hour. Remember to ask for free windshield washer fluid top-up—it doesn’t take time but is practical. The lounge has monitoring screens showing workshop progress; I always watch while drinking coffee. It’s advisable to call ahead and ask about the current queue to save an hour by avoiding peak maintenance days.
