Is it mandatory to perform the first car maintenance within three months?
3 Answers
New cars must undergo their first maintenance within three months, as this is a mandatory requirement for the initial service of a new vehicle. Additional information is as follows: 1. Relevant regulations: Generally, since the engine, transmission, and other components of a new car are brand new, to maintain the lifespan of these parts, it is stipulated that the first maintenance should be performed at 3 months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. After the first maintenance, the timing for the second and subsequent services can vary by a month or two without significant issues. The first maintenance timing should be based on either the mileage (check the reference price and configuration) or the stipulated first maintenance period, whichever comes first. This means that if the mileage is reached before the time, the first maintenance should be performed, and if the time is reached before the mileage, the first maintenance should also be performed. Therefore, it is mandatory to go for maintenance when the time is up; otherwise, it will be considered as waiving the warranty. 2. First car maintenance: The first car maintenance refers to the initial service of the vehicle, typically at 5,000 kilometers or 6 months (with some exceptions). Many brand 4S shops shorten the maintenance cycle by reminding customers to perform maintenance at 3,000 kilometers or 3 months, whichever comes first. The first maintenance is free of charge. If overdue, the maintenance will need to be paid for, and it will be considered as waiving the warranty rights. Any future quality issues with the car will not be covered under warranty.
I remember when I first bought my car, the 4S store salesperson repeatedly emphasized that I must come for the first maintenance within three months. However, after talking to an experienced mechanic, I learned that this timeframe is actually quite flexible. I specifically checked the maintenance manual and found that it states 5,000 kilometers or six months, with no mention of three months. The maintenance intervals set by the manufacturer are based on rigorous testing, so if you drive less, delaying it by two months is completely fine. Engine oil has a shelf life of at least six months, and those shops that urge you to do maintenance at 3,000 kilometers are just trying to make more money. Of course, don’t delay it for too long either, as the metal debris generated during the new engine’s break-in period still needs to be replaced. For example, my friend’s Accord only ran 2,000 kilometers in four months, and he still got the first maintenance done for free when he waited until six months.
I've specifically studied the manual on this issue. The first maintenance time for a vehicle mainly depends on two conditions: mileage and purchase time, whichever comes first. Most brands require it to be around six months or 5,000 kilometers, while three months is an additional requirement set by some 4S stores. Think about it, new cars come with full synthetic oil from the factory—how much can it degrade in just three months? Last time I went for maintenance, I saw a car owner being tricked into an early service, and the drained oil was as clear as new—a total waste. Of course, special cases like daily driving on construction sites or frequent short trips with cold starts might justify an earlier service. The key is to follow the maintenance manual and not be scared by salespeople. I did my first maintenance in the sixth month, and my car is still running perfectly fine.
