How often should a newly purchased car be serviced?
3 Answers
Newly purchased cars should be serviced every six months or 50,000 kilometers. The service interval is every 50,000 kilometers or six months, with an oil change at 50,000 kilometers, air filter replacement every 10,000 kilometers, oil filter replacement every 10,000 kilometers, and fuel filter and spark plug replacement every 25,000 kilometers. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
I just bought a new car last year, and the salesperson specifically emphasized that the first maintenance is crucial. It's generally recommended to get it done after driving 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. During the break-in period, the new car's engine produces metal debris, so the first maintenance involves replacing the oil and oil filter that contain impurities. I went to the 4S dealership at 4,800 kilometers and got a free full synthetic oil change. The technician also checked the brake pads and tire pressure and adjusted the four-wheel alignment. Remember not to exceed the mileage or time limit, as it may affect the warranty. After the maintenance, the throttle felt more responsive, and the fuel consumption dropped from 8.5 to 7.9. Subsequent maintenance can be done at 7,500-kilometer intervals, as detailed in the maintenance manual.
I took my car for its first maintenance after just three months of driving, even though it had only covered 3,000 kilometers. Many people believe the first service is solely mileage-based, but time is equally important. Engine oil begins to oxidize and degrade six months after opening, especially during the break-in period when the engine operates at higher temperatures. During the service, the dealership checked the battery voltage and coolant levels, and noticed the tire pressure was too high, so they adjusted it. A full vehicle inspection is essential during the first maintenance, including checking chassis bolts and the lighting system. It's advisable to keep the first maintenance record as it serves as important documentation when selling the car later. My neighbor delayed the first service until eight months, and as a result, the engine noise became noticeably louder. After the maintenance, the steering felt much lighter.
