How many kilometers are required for the first maintenance of a new car?
3 Answers
The first maintenance for a new car is generally required at six months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Precautions before the first maintenance of a new car are as follows: 1. Do not drive at the same speed and gear for a long time: Use gears reasonably, matching speed with the appropriate gear to ensure even wear across all gears. 2. Avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration: This increases the burden on the engine and puts excessive load on the transmission components. 3. Warm up the car for a few minutes before starting: This allows the internal engine components to be fully lubricated. 4. Avoid excessive load on the new car: Heavy loads during sudden acceleration and deceleration increase engine stress, which is not conducive to engine break-in.
I remember when I picked up my car, the salesperson repeatedly emphasized that I should return to the dealership at 3,000 kilometers. In reality, there's no universal standard for the first service of a new car. German brands generally recommend 10,000 kilometers or one year—my Volkswagen had its first service at 10,000 km. Japanese cars mostly stick to the 5,000-kilometer mark, with Honda and Toyota being typical examples. Luxury brands are a bit more particular; Mercedes-Benz and BMW usually suggest their first service between 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers. If you're driving on the highway every day, you can extend the interval slightly, but if you're often stuck in city traffic, it's better to do it a thousand kilometers earlier. The key is to check your maintenance manual—the mileage specified there is the most reliable. Don't listen to repair shops trying to upsell you. My neighbor ended up with engine noise and a messy warranty claim because he believed a roadside shop's advice to service at 7,000 km.
Last month, I accompanied my cousin for his first maintenance service. His newly purchased Sylphy had only run 3,500 kilometers, yet he was urged to go for the service. I mentioned that Japanese cars generally don't need their first service until 5,000 kilometers, and that the 4S shop just wanted to lock in customers early. In reality, the break-in period is long over, and the precision of modern engines doesn't require deliberate break-in. The first service mainly focuses on three things: replacing the initial engine oil that contains metal shavings, checking if the chassis screws are loose, and updating to the latest ECU program. The technician said that the factory-fill oil now comes with grinding agents, so changing it early is better for the engine. However, don't exceed the limit by too much—my colleague's Civic went over to 7,000 kilometers for maintenance, and as a result, his eligibility for the free first service was voided.
