How Many Kilometers Should a New Car Drive Before Its First Maintenance?
2 Answers
It is recommended to perform the first maintenance on a new car after driving 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance items include: 1. Check whether the liquid level of the car coolant meets the specified requirements; 2. Check the liquid level of the brake and clutch; 3. Check whether the oil level of the power steering oil tank meets the specified requirements, and check whether there is any oil leakage at the interfaces of the system oil pipes; 4. Check the liquid level of the battery and the windshield washer tank; 5. Check the tightness and aging of the belts of the generator, air conditioner, water pump, and power steering pump; 6. Check whether the front and rear lights of the car are complete; 7. Check the tire pressure and wear of the car tires, tighten the tire screws according to the specified torque, and supplement the tire pressure to the specified value for the model.
I just bought a new car, and the salesperson at the 4S store told me it's best to get the first maintenance done at around 5,000 kilometers. Why so early? New cars have a break-in period, where the engine components generate metal shavings from friction during the initial mileage. If the oil isn't changed promptly, these impurities can accumulate and increase wear. I once drove an old car where a friend delayed the first maintenance until over 7,000 kilometers, and it ended up becoming noisier and consuming more fuel later on. The manual specifies 5,000-8,000 kilometers or within six months, depending on the model; for example, Japanese cars usually require it at 5,000 kilometers, while American cars sometimes at 6,000. I also asked a technician, who said the first maintenance isn't just about changing the oil—it also includes checking the chassis bolts and fluid levels to ensure safe driving. Nowadays, new car technology is better, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious. Once the mileage is up, schedule an appointment with the shop—don't try to save money and delay it.
