How many hours does new car maintenance take?
3 Answers
Car maintenance typically takes about 1 hour. The duration depends on the maintenance items. If it's just changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and cabin air filter, it usually takes about 1 hour including car washing time. For more comprehensive maintenance like changing engine oil, three filters, transmission fluid, cleaning the catalytic converter or throttle body, it will take at least 2 to 3 hours. The maintenance time is directly proportional to the number of maintenance items. Below is relevant information: Notes: Generally, minor maintenance should be performed every six months or every 5,000 kilometers driven. Depending on the number of vehicles in the shop and staff workload, minor maintenance usually takes between 20 minutes to 1 hour. The main content includes changing engine oil and oil filter, and inspecting the air filter. Maintenance content: Minor maintenance doesn't involve many items, mainly checking some wear-prone parts including engine oil and three filters. Generally, the first maintenance should be performed at 5,000 kilometers or one year of use, while the second maintenance at 10,000 kilometers or two years of use. The main content is inspecting the car's three major components: engine, chassis, and transmission. Always keep records of car maintenance for future reference if problems arise.
The timing for new car maintenance mainly depends on the specific situation. Generally, I understand that the first maintenance for a new car is usually done around 5,000 kilometers, with simple tasks like changing the oil and filters, checking tire pressure and lights. If you go to a 4S shop or repair shop with an appointment, the actual operation time is about 30 minutes to an hour, but don’t forget the waiting time in line. For example, when I took my new car in last week, I waited in line for half an hour and spent a total of 1.5 hours. I recommend making a phone appointment in advance and avoiding peak hours like weekends—choosing a weekday morning can save a lot of hassle. Additionally, during maintenance, the technician will also quickly check the brake pads and battery to ensure overall safety, so don’t rush and leave yourself half a day to be safe. If you encounter more complex inspections like software updates or chassis checks, the time might extend to over 2 hours—just treat it as a chance to relax and have a coffee in the lounge while waiting. In short, new car maintenance is about efficiency and safety, and developing the habit can extend your car’s lifespan.
Regarding the time for new car maintenance, as a new driver, I just went through my first service which took about 1.5 hours. It mainly involved basic items like oil and filter changes. The actual mechanical work was quick, but most of the time was spent waiting in line at the dealership. I learned that it's best to schedule appointments on weekday mornings when staff are more focused, which can reduce the service time to under an hour. Additionally, maintenance isn't just about changing oil—it also includes quick checks on brakes, lighting systems, and computer diagnostics. Though simple, these details take time. If you want to save hassle, I recommend choosing authorized shops to minimize risks. Avoid rushing to small roadside shops to save time, as that might lead to longer delays or issues. Remember to bring your owner's manual and appointment details to make things smoother. Next time, I plan to allocate just a 2-hour window to avoid disrupting my work schedule. Regular maintenance for a new car is a wise investment—the time spent is worthwhile to prevent major repairs.
