How Should a New Car Be Maintained?

[VanParker]

New car maintenance methods: Regular maintenance is required, generally based on mileage and time. A new car should undergo its first maintenance after driving 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers or about half a year. Maintenance items include the replacement of five oils and four fluids, as well as inspections of other components. During maintenance, it is necessary to check the condition of the engine oil. Since a new car needs to break in, engine break-in can easily produce some debris, so the engine oil should be replaced during the first maintenance. Car maintenance, also known as car servicing, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, and extend the service life.

[ODaniel]

When I first got my new car, I studied the maintenance manual every day. The most critical period for a new car is the first three months of break-in. Don't rush to speed, keep the RPM below 3000, and drive gently to let the piston rings and gears gradually settle. Remember to check tire pressure - many new cars have overinflated tires from transport. Also, avoid using strong alkaline cleaners when washing; new paint is very soft. I pop the hood weekly to check fluid levels. It's normal to see metal particles in the oil during the first half year, but the first oil change must be done at 5000 km. Oh, and don't open windows for 7 days after tinting, or the edges will bubble - these are all lessons I learned the hard way.

[AugustRose]

A new car is just like a baby—it requires delicate care. I pay special attention to three things: First is cleanliness—I use a duster to clean the dashboard every day after driving, and apply specialized leather cream to the seats monthly. Second is fuel system protection—I always use 95-octane gasoline mixed with half a bottle of fuel additive. Third is tire maintenance—I check the tire pressure every two weeks and make sure never to scrape the wheels against curbs when parking. Here’s a little tip: after driving in the rain, rinse the undercarriage. The anti-rust coating on a new car’s undercarriage isn’t fully cured, and mud buildup can lead to corrosion over time. I also spray lubricant on the sunroof tracks monthly, and even after three years, it opens and closes as smoothly as new.

[DanielaLee]

New car owners often over-maintain their vehicles, but actually, five things are enough: Check the tightness of chassis bolts at 1,000 km—I found the exhaust pipe hanger wasn’t tightened on the fourth day after pickup; avoid highways before the first service, drive 1,000 km in the city before pushing it on highways; wax every two months—buy liquid wax and finish in half an hour; spray rubber protectant on window seals to prevent aging; most crucially, don’t trust the dealership’s 10,000 km oil change interval—even full synthetic oil should be changed within 8,000 km. My neighbor’s engine seized at 30,000 km because they believed the dealership’s nonsense.

[LaCharlotte]

My maintenance secret is phased protection: focus on engine sounds in the first three months—visit the 4S store immediately if you hear metallic knocking during cold starts; prioritize circuit checks from 3-6 months, as slow power window operation may indicate oxidized wiring; inspect rubber components after six months, applying Vaseline to door seal strips to prevent cracking. Don’t wait for odors to replace the cabin air filter—I change mine quarterly. Always keep maintenance receipts; they can add ¥5,000 to your used car’s resale value. One painful lesson: never use a steering wheel cover on a new car—my leather steering wheel got scratched, and I deeply regret it.