How Long Does New Car Maintenance Take?
4 Answers
New cars require maintenance every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers. Even if the 5,000-kilometer mark isn't reached within 6 months, maintenance is still necessary. Below is an introduction to new car maintenance: 1. First Maintenance: The timing for the first maintenance of a new car is specified in the car maintenance manual, varying by model. However, it is generally set within the range of 5,000 kilometers/6 months or 10,000 kilometers/1 year. Do not delay or replace parts on your own. 2. Replacements: For the first maintenance of a new car, replace the oil filter, change the oil, and replace the air filter. The oil filter can be considered the car's 'lungs,' helping the car obtain cleaner oil to protect the engine and extend the car's lifespan. 3. Break-in Period: The first 1,500 kilometers is the break-in period for a new car. During this time, it is recommended not to overload the car, as this can cause wear to the engine, transmission, and other components. Additionally, use high-quality, low-viscosity lubricating oil to reduce the degree of wear on mechanical parts.
The time required for new car maintenance mainly depends on whether it's the first service or a regular maintenance. The first service is usually quite simple, involving only an oil change, oil filter replacement, and basic inspection, which typically takes about one hour. However, it's better to make an appointment in advance to avoid longer waiting times due to queues. For regular maintenance, such as the 10,000-kilometer service, there are more items involved - replacing the three filters, checking brake pads, tire rotation, etc., which takes about two hours. I remember last year when helping my brother with his car's second maintenance, the 4S shop said system upgrades caused delays, resulting in a three-hour wait. It's recommended to schedule maintenance on weekday mornings when there are fewer customers and higher efficiency - weekends are the most frustrating for queues. Also, requirements vary by brand; Japanese cars generally take about half an hour less for maintenance compared to German cars.
Our newly purchased car just had its first maintenance last week, and the whole process was faster than expected, taking only forty minutes. The technician mainly changed the engine oil and oil filter, and also checked the tire pressure and brake fluid, basically just going through the routine. However, the salesperson reminded us that the second maintenance would take longer, as the cabin air filter and engine air filter need to be replaced, likely taking at least an hour. It’s quite fast when the shop isn’t busy, but during holidays, waiting in line can take two to three hours. Some shops even offer car washing services after maintenance, which may add another twenty to thirty minutes. Going at noon on weekdays is the most time-saving. My neighbor went during lunchtime last time, and the service bay was empty, so the maintenance was done right away.
New car maintenance time mainly depends on the number of items. The first maintenance usually takes within 50 minutes, while regular maintenance takes 1-2 hours. The maintenance content directly affects the time consumption. For example, basic operations like changing engine oil and oil filter can be completed in half an hour, but adding brake system inspection and chassis check may exceed one hour. The efficiency of the 4S shop is also crucial. Some shops have more workstations and faster technicians, while others are slower. Last time I made an appointment for maintenance at 9 a.m., but it wasn't until 10:30 that my car got in. Also, it is recommended to avoid the end of the month, as many people rush to get maintenance before the warranty expires, resulting in particularly long queues. If it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, the maintenance time is usually shorter than that of a fuel vehicle, after all, there are fewer complex components like the engine.
