How often should a new car be serviced after the first maintenance?
4 Answers
After the first maintenance, a new car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance includes: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the 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 the brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints for any scratches; 5. Checking whether all switches and lights in the car are working properly. Precautions for the first maintenance: 1. Make an appointment in advance; 2. Record any malfunctions or questions encountered while driving and inform the staff during the maintenance registration.
I've been driving for almost twenty years. After the first maintenance of a new car, I insist on servicing it every 5,000 kilometers or six months. This habit has kept my car trouble-free. I remember when I was younger, I tried to save trouble by extending the intervals, only to end up spending a fortune on engine overheating repairs. Maintenance isn't just about changing the oil; it also includes checking brake pads, coolant, and chassis components to ensure driving safety and save money. When there's a lot of city traffic, the intervals should be shortened to avoid carbon buildup issues. The manual suggests 10,000 kilometers, which is too lenient in my opinion. I believe earlier maintenance is better for the car's lifespan, and the cost isn't high anyway.
As a new car owner, I was particularly concerned about maintenance intervals after the first service. The manual recommends every 8,000 kilometers or one year, but a friend suggested 5,000 kilometers for extra safety. I chose a compromise and do it every 7,000 kilometers, which is easier to remember with phone reminders. Regular maintenance helps detect minor issues early, like last time when the technician found severe tire wear and replaced them for peace of mind. As a beginner, I've learned to check fluids and tire pressure myself, reducing unnecessary shop visits and driving with more confidence.
From a cost-saving perspective, after the first maintenance of a new car, I follow the manual and service it every 10,000 kilometers—no more, no less. Too frequent maintenance wastes money, while too infrequent might lead to expensive repairs. I check the oil dipstick and windshield washer fluid monthly to maintain good habits. Finding a trusted repair shop and purchasing an annual service package can save an average of 200 yuan per visit. With proper vehicle maintenance, significant expenses can be saved over five years.
