Is 6,000 km too late for the first maintenance of a new car?
2 Answers
Performing the first maintenance at 6,000 km for a new car is generally acceptable. The primary tasks for the initial maintenance involve changing the engine oil and oil filter. Since the components of a new car experience significant wear during the break-in period, replacing these parts helps enhance the vehicle's performance. Key points to note for the first maintenance: 1. Check if the coolant level meets the specified requirements. 2. Inspect the fluid levels of the brake and clutch systems. 3. Verify the power steering fluid level complies with standards and check for any oil leaks at the pipe connections. 4. Examine the tension and wear of the belts for the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and power steering pump. 5. Ensure all front and rear lights are functional, including headlights, width indicators, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights.
A few days ago, my neighbor's young son drove his new car for 6,000 km before remembering to get it serviced, and asked me if it was too late. Having driven for twenty years, I've seen many such cases—it's usually not a big deal as long as it's not delayed for too long. Manufacturers recommend maintenance at 5,000 km mainly because the engine is in the break-in period, and there might be metal debris left in the oil pan. Changing the oil early helps extend the engine's lifespan. However, modern car manufacturing processes have improved, so an extra thousand kilometers isn’t a major issue—don’t scare yourself unnecessarily. That said, in your case, you should quickly schedule an appointment with the dealership and have the technician check the tire pressure and brake pads while you're there. Next time, remember to stick a note on the dashboard as a reminder—developing the habit of timely maintenance every 5,000 km is the safest approach.
