
First maintenance usually takes one to two hours to complete. If you want to save time, it is recommended to make an appointment with the relevant staff at the 4S store in advance to avoid long waiting times for maintenance. Specific maintenance regulations should be followed according to the maintenance manual, such as the mileage required for the first maintenance, subsequent maintenance intervals, and usage time. Maintenance is divided into minor maintenance and major maintenance. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance items performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage to ensure vehicle performance, mainly including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

I remember when I first bought my car, I was completely clueless and had no idea when to get the first maintenance done. Later, I asked an experienced driver, and he said it's best to do it around three months or when the car has run 5,000 kilometers because new car parts need to break in, and there might be some dirt accumulated in the engine that needs cleaning. I ended up delaying it to four months before going to the 4S shop, and the technician kindly reminded me—luckily, no major issues occurred. Since then, I've made it a habit: as soon as I buy a new car, I set a reminder. Timely maintenance can prevent small problems from turning into big troubles, like dirty engine oil affecting the engine's lifespan. If you've just bought a new car, remember to check the user manual or consult the dealership directly—don’t be lazy.

From a technical perspective, the first maintenance interval is usually predetermined during vehicle manufacturing, with the purpose of inspecting components that may loosen during initial operation. Generally, it is recommended to complete it within 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first in terms of mileage or time. Why? Because during the initial usage of a new car, the engine and transmission will generate micro-wear debris. Timely replacement of old engine oil and system cleaning are necessary to ensure the stable development of overall performance. Based on my experience, early maintenance leads to longer-lasting vehicle condition. However, specifics may vary by model: hybrid vehicles or SUVs might have slightly higher requirements, making regular inspections more reassuring.

Safety first! Delaying the first maintenance carries significant risks. I once saw a friend who forgot to service their car, resulting in uneven tire wear that nearly caused an accident. The general recommendation is to get it done within 5,000 kilometers or three months for a new car—don’t wait until strange noises become frequent. At that point, checking the brakes, suspension, and other key components is crucial to ensure stable driving. Every time I maintain my car on schedule, I feel much more confident on the highway.

Speaking of cost-effectiveness, I learned the hard way: postponing the first maintenance to save money ended up costing me twice as much in repairs. Typically, the first maintenance at a 4S shop is either free or very affordable, but missing the window period can lead to engine failures or even warranty invalidation. I recommend taking action within 5,000 kilometers or three months—small investments yield big returns. The first year of owning a car is the best break-in period; timely maintenance equals long-term savings.


