
The first maintenance can exceed by 500 kilometers. The first maintenance time for a car is between 3 to 5 months, and the first maintenance mileage ranges from 3,000 kilometers to 5,000 kilometers, with some cars even reaching up to 8,000 kilometers. This variation is due to differences in the specific technical conditions of the vehicle. Generally, the first maintenance should not exceed 5,000 kilometers. Car maintenance is aimed at reducing the wear and tear of car parts, preventing traffic accidents, and extending the lifespan of the vehicle. The car maintenance items include: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, and cleaning the air filter; 2. Checking whether the levels of various fluids are normal, and inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for any damage; 3. Checking whether the tire pressure is normal and whether there is any uneven wear, bulging, or damage to the tires.

When I first picked up my new car, I was particularly concerned about the first maintenance and asked several mechanics. They said it's generally acceptable to exceed the first maintenance mileage by 300-400 kilometers, as most dealerships are flexible about it. However, never exceed 1,000 kilometers, because metal debris generated during the break-in period can accumulate and potentially damage the engine cylinder walls. A friend of mine once forgot about it during a business trip and exceeded 1,200 kilometers, resulting in the dealership treating it as out-of-warranty maintenance, forcing him to pay for the oil and filter change himself. So, it's recommended to set a phone reminder 200-300 kilometers in advance to protect the engine without affecting the warranty.

I remember when I accompanied my buddy for his first maintenance service, I chatted with the after-sales guy. He said the manufacturer allows a margin of about 10%. For example, if the manual specifies the first service at 5,000 km, it's generally fine to go up to 5,500 km. Exceeding by too much can easily affect the new car warranty policy, and some stricter brands might start enforcing rules right from the first service. The key is to monitor the amount of metal powder collected by the oil pan magnet—too much can reduce the lubricating effectiveness of the oil. It's okay to exceed by a few days in an emergency, but consistently exceeding limits can accelerate piston ring wear. For new cars, it's recommended to check the odometer frequently during the first six months.

The first maintenance of a new car is not something to be taken lightly. Last time, my cousin's car exceeded the recommended mileage by over 800 kilometers. Although the 4S dealership still performed the service, they were visibly displeased throughout the process. A mechanic privately mentioned that for every 500 kilometers exceeded, the concentration of impurities in the engine oil doubles, which is particularly harmful to the camshaft. The manufacturer's designed first maintenance mileage is a tested safe value, and exceeding it by 1,000 kilometers is equivalent to forfeiting the right to free maintenance. It's best to schedule an appointment before reaching the manual's specified mileage. Even if you encounter traffic jams or detours, don't panic—keeping the excess within 10% is still safe.


