How Long Is the First Maintenance for a New Car?
3 Answers
New car first maintenance is at 5,000 kilometers. The key projects of the first car maintenance are changing the engine oil and oil filter. In addition, a full vehicle system inspection will be conducted, such as tightening nuts, checking the chassis, tire inspection, system computer detection, etc. Car maintenance, also known as car servicing, refers to the preventive work of regularly checking, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system (engine), transmission system, air conditioning system, etc. The purpose is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, and extend the service life.
When I first bought my new car, the 4S shop repeatedly reminded me that the first maintenance should be done within 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. I remember driving quite frequently, so I went in when I hit 4,500 kilometers. At that time, they changed the oil and filter for free and also checked key components like tires and brakes. Missing the first maintenance deadline is a big deal—many brands might refuse warranty services if you do. A friend of mine made this mistake, going in only after driving 7,000 kilometers, and later had to spend a lot of money and effort fixing minor issues. Requirements vary by car: for example, German cars might allow up to 10,000 kilometers, while Japanese cars often require earlier maintenance. I recommend checking the user manual when you buy a car and setting a phone reminder to avoid missing the deadline. Developing this habit can extend your car’s lifespan, keeping it running smoothly for years and saving you both hassle and money.
I'm quite fascinated by cars and often study various brand manuals. The first maintenance service typically ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 kilometers or within six months, depending on the vehicle type. For economy models like domestic small-displacement cars, it might be done at 5,000 kilometers, while luxury or hybrid vehicles may extend to around 8,000 kilometers. The key point is that the first service isn't just a simple check—it removes metal particles from the engine's initial break-in period. Having owned two new cars myself, I noticed significant performance improvements after the first maintenance. Skipping this step could accelerate early wear and potentially cause engine issues. I recommend car owners use a mileage-tracking driving app or directly call the dealership hotline to confirm specific timelines. Remember, most vehicles come with free first maintenance service—taking full advantage of this greatly benefits long-term vehicle health.
