How Many Kilometers Should a New Car Drive Before Its First Maintenance?
4 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.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe it's reasonable to schedule the first maintenance for a new car between 4,000 to 6,000 kilometers. Most owner's manuals recommend starting around 5,000 km because during the break-in period, there are more impurities inside the engine, and changing the oil can help remove them, improving operational efficiency. I've driven several cars and always performed the first maintenance at around 4,500 km, which noticeably extended the engine's lifespan. Timing is also crucial; if the mileage hasn't reached the recommended interval within six months—for example, only 3,000 km—it's still important to go for maintenance on time to prevent oil oxidation and deterioration. Remember not to rely solely on the odometer; always check the manual as different brands have varying requirements—Toyota generally recommends 5,000 km, while BMW might suggest 8,000 km. Playing it safe is always the best approach. After the first maintenance, the vehicle's performance stabilizes, and fuel consumption decreases, making it well worth addressing promptly.
The key to a new car's first maintenance lies in the manufacturer's specified point, typically within the 5,000 to 10,000 km range. Check your owner's manual; common examples include Honda at 5,000 km and Mercedes-Benz at 10,000 km. In practice, it's advisable to go slightly earlier, around 5,000 km, as this is when the break-in period ends, and changing the oil and filter can prevent debris accumulation from damaging the engine. Don't just focus on mileage—time limits are equally important. If the car hasn't been driven enough due to prolonged parking, maintenance should still be done within six months to avoid oil degradation causing issues. Simply put, following the manual's instructions is the safest way to ensure your vehicle starts off healthy.
