How Soon Should the First Oil Change Be for a New Car?
3 Answers
The first oil change for a new car is typically recommended at 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, but this is not absolute. The specific interval can be checked in the vehicle's maintenance manual. The first oil change is necessary because the engine of a new car needs a break-in period, during which some impurities may be generated, hence requiring an earlier oil and oil filter replacement. Below is a tutorial on changing car oil: 1. Run the engine until it reaches the required operating temperature. Then, use a jack to lift the vehicle, engage the handbrake, and secure the front wheels with wooden wedges. 2. Place a container for the old oil beneath the oil pan. Locate the oil pan drain plug and slowly unscrew it. Be careful not to come into contact with the hot oil and allow the oil to drain for a while. After the old oil has drained, inspect the drain plug and reinstall it. Avoid over-tightening the plug to prevent damage to the oil pan. 3. Move the oil container under the oil filter. Wear gloves and use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter, then gently unscrew it. Don't worry about whether the filter is too tight or if it might get damaged during removal. Just ensure the interface screws and surrounding components are not damaged. 4. Select the appropriate oil filter for your vehicle based on the user manual. 5. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter. If the filter is installed vertically, you can pour some new oil into the filter to reduce dry friction during the next engine start.
I've been driving new cars for several years. When I got my first one, the salesman told me to follow the manual, usually requiring the first oil change between 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. New car engines are in the break-in period, where tiny metal particles from component wear mix into the oil. If not cleaned out promptly, it can damage internal parts. I was lazy back then and delayed until 4,000 kilometers before changing it. The technician later said there were many impurities in the oil, but fortunately, no major issues occurred. Nowadays, with advancements in new car technology, some manufacturers suggest 5,000 kilometers or six months, as long as you don't exceed it. Driving habits also matter—frequent highway driving or heavy traffic means more frequent changes. In short, checking the owner's manual is the most accurate; don’t trust random schedules online. Regular maintenance keeps your car more durable, reduces breakdowns, and saves on repair costs.
I remember when I bought my first new car, a friend told me that after driving three to five thousand kilometers, I should go for the first oil change. At that time, I didn't understand and delayed it until 4000 kilometers. The mechanic checked and found the oil was a bit dirty, but there were no major issues. During the break-in period of a new car, the engine internals need to adapt, and debris tends to accumulate, so timely oil changes protect the machine. I suggest not driving too aggressively in daily use. If you commute mostly in the city, changing the oil around 3000 kilometers is best; if you drive less on highways, you can extend it to 5000 kilometers. The key is to check the manual and not be lazy—delaying too long might affect fuel consumption or even cause a breakdown. Also, choose the right type of oil; synthetic oil lasts longer. Developing good maintenance habits ensures your car runs longer and more reliably.
