Is it better to have the first maintenance at 3,000 kilometers or 5,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
The first maintenance at 3,000 kilometers is better. In fact, the items covered in the first maintenance are quite simple, mainly including changing the engine oil and oil filter, as well as some routine vehicle inspections, such as checking the wear on tires and brake pads, the levels of various fluids in the engine compartment, the level of antifreeze, lifting the vehicle to inspect the chassis for any signs of impact, and checking whether the chassis brackets and tie rods are deformed. The first maintenance is generally about checking if the car has any issues and changing the oil and filter. When performing maintenance, it's important to pay attention to the oil change—always opt for fully synthetic oil. Many car owners overlook this and end up using mineral oil, which is generally cheaper but inferior in performance compared to fully synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil has a replacement cycle of up to around 10,000 kilometers, whereas mineral oil typically requires changing every 5,000 kilometers.
I did thorough research on the first maintenance when buying a car, and my personal experience tells me that 5,000 kilometers is usually better. Nowadays, automotive technology is much more advanced, and engines undergo run-in tests before leaving the factory. The 3,000-kilometer first maintenance is an outdated concept, mainly designed for older models with less precision. Looking at the manual for new cars, most recommend the first maintenance at around 5,000 kilometers because oil quality and engine durability have improved. I tried doing it at 3,000 kilometers once, only to waste time and money with no extra benefits. Of course, for aggressive driving like long-distance trips or frequent mountain roads, advancing to 3,000 kilometers might be slightly useful, but it's not a must. For general city driving, maintaining at 5,000 kilometers saves money and hassle while extending the car's lifespan.
