How many kilometers after the first maintenance should the next maintenance be performed?
3 Answers
The first maintenance should be performed after driving 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. The maintenance items include replacing the three filters and engine oil. The three filters consist of the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Their function is to filter impurities in the engine oil, air, and fuel, preventing these impurities from entering the engine and affecting its normal operation. Regularly replacing these components can effectively extend the engine's service life. According to relevant regulations: the vehicle owner has the right to independently choose a maintenance service provider. Except for automobile manufacturers fulfilling the responsibilities of defective vehicle recalls and the three-guarantee policy for vehicle quality, no unit or individual may force or covertly force the designation of a maintenance service provider.
I've driven several cars, and after the first maintenance, the service interval usually follows the manual's recommendation. Most brands suggest every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every 6 months. From my experience, a car is like an old friend—treat it well, and it will be reliable. For example, I mostly drive in the city with frequent traffic jams and heavy braking, which causes faster wear, so I schedule a check-up every 6,000 kilometers. If you drive more on highways, the interval can be extended to 8,000 kilometers. Don’t forget to consider oil quality—full synthetic oil lasts longer, but if road conditions are poor or there’s a lot of dust, the interval should be shortened. When I was younger, I neglected maintenance once, and the engine noise increased, doubling the repair cost. Now, I use a mobile app to track mileage and set reminders to ensure timely full inspections at the 4S shop, which gives me more confidence and avoids future troubles. Remember, don’t just focus on distance—factor in the car’s condition and driving habits.
I just bought a car recently and am quite concerned about maintenance after the first service. I consulted a mechanic, who said that for the first two years of a new car, follow the manual—usually every 5,000 kilometers or six months is ideal. At first, I found it complicated, but after learning a bit, I realized driving habits matter a lot. If you do a lot of city commuting with frequent hard braking, shorten the interval to under 5,000 km. For smooth highway driving, you can stretch it to 7,500 km. I use a simple method: I note the mileage after each refueling, and an app automatically calculates the time. Once, I delayed maintenance, and my fuel consumption suddenly spiked—a hard lesson learned. I recommend regularly checking the engine oil level and air filter to catch small issues early. The maintenance reminder light in new cars is a great helper—don’t ignore it. Getting a professional inspection occasionally may cost a bit, but it extends your car’s lifespan, which is much cheaper than repairs later.
