How Soon Should the First Maintenance Be Done for a New Car?
4 Answers
New cars should undergo their first maintenance within 3 to 5 months, with the initial maintenance mileage typically ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The specific timing can be checked in the vehicle manual. Different brands and models of cars are equipped with different engines. Some engines use special technologies and have strict requirements for oil, while others are made of special materials with high precision, resulting in relatively less wear. Therefore, the specified time and mileage for the first maintenance vary. The main items for the first maintenance include: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Checking the operation of the braking system. 3. Tightening the bolts of various systems. 4. Inspecting and adjusting the drive belt. 5. Checking and adjusting tire balance and alignment. 6. Inspecting and replenishing various fluids. 7. Checking the operation of components such as lights, the battery, and shock absorbers.
I was particularly concerned about the first maintenance time when I just bought my new car. I remember the salesperson told me it should be done around 3 months or 5,000 kilometers, mainly depending on the engine break-in condition. After the car leaves the factory, all parts are adapting to each other, and metal shavings can affect the oil's lubricating properties. I usually check the maintenance manual in advance. Japanese cars often recommend 3 months, while German cars might require it within 6 months. Actually, exceeding by a week or two is fine, but don’t delay too long, as it could affect the warranty later. The key points of the first maintenance for a new car are changing the engine oil and oil filter, along with checking the brakes and tire wear. Developing good habits early on will make car ownership more worry-free later.
I'm quite flexible about the timing of the first maintenance, mainly depending on the car's condition. If it's just daily city commuting, the engine oil might get dirty after two or three months. But if you frequently drive long distances on highways like I do, you might not need maintenance until four or five thousand kilometers. The break-in period for a new car is crucial, so don't neglect the first few maintenance sessions. Besides the manual's requirements, actual driving habits are also important. If you often floor the accelerator, it's advisable to get maintenance earlier. Last time, I did mine at four thousand kilometers, and the technician said there were already debris in the filter. Remember, if you miss the free first maintenance, it's a waste.
For us car owners, the first maintenance of a new car is usually done within three months, with the focus on oil changes. New car parts will grind out fine metal particles that mix into the oil. Last month, my neighbor delayed the maintenance of their new car to six months, resulting in abnormal engine noises and repair costs of nearly two thousand yuan. The manual states that the first maintenance should be done as early as possible, especially for cars with turbochargers. I prefer to drive gently in the first three months, keeping the RPM below 3000 to protect the engine. During maintenance, remember to ask the mechanic to check the tightness of the chassis screws.
