How Many Kilometers Should a New Car Typically Go Before Maintenance?
4 Answers
Starting from the date of purchase, maintenance is required either after 3 months or when the vehicle reaches 5,000±500 kilometers, whichever comes first. Once either condition is met, you need to visit a 4S dealership for maintenance. The first maintenance is free within the specified period, but exceeding this may require payment. If maintenance is not performed as required, the 4S dealership will consider it as voluntarily forfeiting warranty rights, which is not cost-effective, as the nature of vehicle warranty is similar to purchasing insurance for the vehicle. Below are the six major parts of new car maintenance that need inspection and replacement: 1. Change the engine oil and clean the three filters, namely the oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter. 2. Check whether the coolant level in the car is normal. 3. Inspect the car's brake system and the fluid level of the clutch. 4. Check the fluid level of the power steering system and whether there are any oil leaks at the pipe connections. 5. Examine the condition of the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and the aging and tension of the belts. 6. Check the tire pressure and wear condition, inflate the tires, or rotate them if there is significant wear.
I remember when I first bought a new car, the initial maintenance was crucial. Generally, new cars should have their first service between 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. My first car was a Toyota, and the manual stated that an oil and filter change was mandatory at 5,000 kilometers because the engine was still in the break-in period, and metal particles might accumulate. Early maintenance helps protect the engine and extend the car's lifespan. After that, I serviced it every 8,000 kilometers, but if you often drive in city traffic with frequent congestion, you can shorten the interval; if you drive more on highways, you can extend it a bit. Different brands have different recommendations—for example, Honda often suggests 5,000 km, while Audi sometimes recommends 10,000 km. Don’t forget to check tire pressure and brakes during maintenance; these are small things but have a big impact. The first maintenance is usually free at the dealership—don’t miss this good opportunity. After driving for so long, developing this habit has made things much easier.
I take the first maintenance of a new car very seriously! It's usually recommended between 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. For my first new car, I went in at 7,000 km, mainly for an oil change and air filter cleaning to remove manufacturing residues and protect the engine. Recommendations vary by brand; Japanese cars like Mazda often suggest it at 5,000 km, while German brands like BMW might extend it to 12,000 km. Driving habits also play a crucial role; frequent short city drives warrant earlier maintenance, whereas mostly highway driving allows for a slight delay. Subsequent services should be around every 10,000 kilometers to maintain stable performance and low fuel consumption. Never wait until the warning light comes on, as it could lead to costly major repairs. With regular maintenance, my car still feels new even after ten years. The free first service is very practical, and booking in advance saves time and effort.
The first maintenance for a new car is generally around 5,000 kilometers. Based on my years of driving experience, early maintenance is beneficial for safety and can prevent engine issues. The manual provides clear recommendations, with most vehicles requiring the first service within the initial 5,000 km or six months. Subsequent maintenance should be performed every 8,000 to 10,000 km. Driving conditions affect this; in dusty environments, the interval should be shorter. Regularly check the engine oil and filters—it's a small but crucial task. Don't neglect the initial maintenance.
