How many kilometers for the first maintenance of a newly purchased car?
2 Answers
The first maintenance for a newly purchased car is usually around 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance items include: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter, and cleaning the air filter; 2. Checking whether the coolant level is within the normal range; 3. Inspecting the car's brakes and undercarriage components for any scratches; 4. Checking the condition of the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and belts for aging and tightness; 5. Checking the tire pressure and wear condition. New cars have a break-in period, and the usage methods during this period are: 1. Preheating the cold car—properly warming up the car allows the engine oil to lubricate the engine internals better, reducing wear; 2. Timely gear shifting while driving, especially for manual transmission cars—reasonable gear shifting during the break-in period is necessary to avoid high gear at low RPM or low gear at high RPM; 3. Timely maintenance is required for new cars during the break-in period.
When I first bought my new car, I also wondered about the ideal mileage for the first maintenance. I remember driving my new car to around 5,000 kilometers and promptly heading to the 4S dealership for the first service. The technician explained that this was the "break-in period" inspection for a new car, requiring an oil and filter change to remove fine metal particles from the engine. Requirements vary greatly by brand; for example, Japanese cars typically recommend 5,000 kilometers, while European cars might suggest 10,000 kilometers—but never delay, as this affects the engine's lifespan. Since I drive frequently, hitting 5,000 kilometers was the perfect time for maintenance, preventing wear caused by degraded oil. It’s best to check your owner’s manual rather than relying solely on online advice. Environmental factors also matter; if you often drive on dirt roads or in cold climates, consider servicing slightly earlier to protect your new car’s core components. The first maintenance doesn’t take much time but can save you from major repairs later.
