How long is the first car maintenance interval?
4 Answers
The first maintenance is performed after 3,000 kilometers, followed by a maintenance cycle every 10,000 kilometers. Below are the relevant details: 1. Maintenance is performed every 10,000 kilometers. The first maintenance interval is at 3,000 km, requiring an engine oil and oil filter change. 2. The next maintenance cycle is at 3,000 km, requiring an engine oil filter replacement. In addition to the oil and filter change, the air filter and cabin air filter also need to be replaced. At the 10,000 km maintenance, more items are required. Besides the engine oil and filter change, the air filter, cabin air filter, fuel filter, brake fluid, and spark plugs also need to be replaced. Follow this frequency for maintenance.
I've been driving for ten years and have dealt with many 4S shop technicians. The first maintenance for a new car is usually required within 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. Don't exceed the deadline, or the warranty may be voided. The first maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter, as there are more metal shavings during the break-in period of a new car. Last week, a young guy in the neighborhood exceeded the limit by 800 kilometers, and when his transmission had issues, the 4S shop refused to cover it. After the first maintenance, it's recommended to take a highway drive to let the engine fully operate, which will noticeably reduce fuel consumption. Also, avoid long idling when parking, as it's particularly harmful to the engine. Keep the maintenance record book safe—it can add a few thousand bucks to your car's resale value later on.
I just picked up my new car in March, and it's only run 3,000 kilometers so far, but the 4S dealership is already urging me to go for the first maintenance. They said six months is the absolute deadline, regardless of mileage. Actually, the first maintenance only takes about two hours, and the free oil change feels smoother than the factory-fill. Last time, I saw the technician checking engine data with a computer and adjusting the tire pressure very carefully. I recommend new owners pay extra attention to dashboard warning lights after the first maintenance, especially during cold winter starts. I always keep a tire pressure gauge in my car and check it myself every month. The dealership said to come back for the next service at 7,000 kilometers, and I've set a reminder on my phone. Recently, I've noticed the steering wheel feels noticeably lighter, probably thanks to the new oil.
Last month, I had my first maintenance after returning from a trip to Tibet. For someone like me who is always on long-distance drives, it's certain to exceed 5,000 kilometers in half a year. The 4S shop mentioned that vehicles frequently driven on highways can consider slightly earlier maintenance. When they removed the oil pan, I noticed shiny metal powder in the old oil. After switching to fully synthetic oil, the engine noise reduced significantly. They also touched up the chipped paint on the chassis caused by gravel for free. It's advisable for owners who frequently drive long distances to check the spare tire pressure before and after the first maintenance—a tire blowout on the highway is no joke. Recently, the fuel consumption has decreased by 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which feels quite worthwhile.
