How many kilometers should a car drive for its first maintenance?
3 Answers
Car first maintenance is required after driving 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance includes: 1. Changing engine oil, oil filter, cleaning air filter, and checking whether the generator belt and wiper blades are damaged; 2. Checking whether the levels of various fluids are normal; 3. Checking whether the tire pressure is normal and whether the tires have uneven wear, bulges, or damage; 4. Inspecting the car chassis, including brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints for scratches; 5. Checking whether all switches and lights in the car are working properly. Precautions for the first maintenance are: 1. Make an appointment in advance; 2. Record any faults or questions encountered while driving and inform the staff during the maintenance registration.
The mileage for the first car maintenance is quite important, in my opinion. Take my own experience as an example—last year, I bought a new car, and the dealer recommended the first service between 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers. I insisted on doing it at 6,000 km. The first maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter because, during this period, the new car's engine is still in the break-in phase, and internal metal debris can form. If not cleaned in time, it can accelerate wear. Additionally, checking small details like brake fluid and tire pressure is crucial. I know a friend who accidentally delayed it until 8,000 km, and their fuel consumption noticeably increased. Worse, when issues arose during the warranty period, the manufacturer refused to cover them. The manual clearly states that it varies by car model—for example, Japanese cars often recommend service at 5,000 km, while German cars may suggest 10,000 km—so never rely on guesswork. Regular maintenance is the foundation of safe driving, saves money, and ensures peace of mind. Treating a new car well means it will last longer. In hotter climates, maintenance might need to be even more frequent. In short, forming good habits ensures your car won’t let you down.
Based on my understanding, it's ideal to complete the first vehicle maintenance within a range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. New cars require a break-in period during the initial stage, and the first oil and filter change helps remove fine particles from the engine to prevent excessive wear. There are significant differences between brands—Toyota and Nissan generally recommend 5,000 kilometers, while Mercedes-Benz and BMW may allow up to 10,000 kilometers. I always remind myself to follow the user manual, as it's the most authoritative guide. Delaying the first maintenance can lead to issues like seal failure or reduced power, increasing repair costs. Some modern cars come with built-in sensors that conveniently indicate maintenance time. Developing a habit of regular maintenance keeps the engine healthy in the long run and ensures more stable fuel consumption. Remember, besides mileage, time is also a factor—if it exceeds 6 months, it's time for a check-up. Safety first—don't risk major failures to save small amounts of money.
