Is it necessary to service a new car every 3 months?
2 Answers
It is essential to service a new car every 3 months. The six major taboos during the break-in period of a new car are as follows: 1. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the load on the chassis and engine. It is best to avoid emergency braking within the first 300 kilometers of driving. 2. Avoid overloading: Running a new car at full capacity during the break-in period can damage the components. Therefore, within the first 1,000 kilometers, the load should generally not exceed 75%-80% of the rated capacity. 3. Avoid long-distance trips: Driving long distances during the break-in period increases the continuous working time of the engine, which can easily lead to component wear. 4. Avoid high-speed driving: There are speed limits for new cars during the break-in period. Generally, the speed should be kept below 100 km/h. When the throttle is fully open, the speed should not exceed 80% of the maximum speed. Additionally, monitor the engine tachometer and speedometer to ensure the engine operates at medium speed. Typically, the engine speed during the break-in period should be between 2,000-4,000 rpm. 5. Avoid changing the oil too early: The initial oil in a new car is specifically designed for the break-in period, featuring low viscosity, excellent heat dissipation, cleaning, and anti-oxidation properties. Some manufacturers even add grinding agents to facilitate the break-in process. Therefore, the oil should only be changed according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, not prematurely. 6. Avoid starting without warming up: A new car must be warmed up before starting. Warming up essentially gives the engine sufficient time for lubrication, especially for turbocharged models, which require at least one minute of lubrication time before starting.
As a young person who just bought a new car, I'm quite concerned about the maintenance interval issue. Initially, the 4S shop recommended me to go every three months, claiming it would keep the car in perfect condition. But after checking the owner's manual, I found that wasn't the case at all. The manual usually suggests every six months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first—three months is too frequent and unnecessary. My friend followed the sales pitch and over-maintained his car, only to waste thousands of dollars with no real improvement. In fact, new cars are very stable in quality; just follow the manual and don't be fooled by businesses. This way, you save money and hassle while reducing trips to the repair shop. Remember, regularly checking fluids and tires is more practical.
