Is the first car maintenance always free?

[DelNorah]

New car first maintenance is generally free. During the maintenance, the 4S shop will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the car, such as tire pressure, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant, whether the chassis is loose, whether there is oil leakage in the engine and transmission, etc. Except for windshield washer fluid and tire repair, all others are free. Here is the relevant introduction about the first maintenance: 1. Running-in period: Precautions for driving before the first maintenance. The initial driving period of a new car is called the running-in period. Generally, you should not drive too fast, absolutely do not exceed 100 mph, and the engine speed should not exceed 3000 rpm; A well-run-in vehicle will have a reduced probability of problems in future driving and will also be more fuel-efficient. 2. First maintenance time: The first maintenance service for a new car is usually provided free of charge by the 4S shop, and the time is according to the regulations in the car maintenance manual. The time for each model is different, basically stipulated within the range of 5000 km/half a year, or 10000 km/one year.

[OAmara]

I've noticed many people assume the first maintenance service is completely free, but that's not always the case. When I bought a new car two years ago, the 4S dealership proactively offered free first maintenance, covering the oil change and filter replacement without charging me a penny. However, a friend who purchased a used car had to pay over 300 yuan out of pocket for their first service. Generally, mainstream brands like Toyota and Honda often use this tactic primarily to retain new customers and encourage repeat business. The benefit of free first maintenance is saving money and hassle, but don't blindly assume it applies to all vehicles—check the manufacturer's policy or confirm with the salesperson before purchasing, or you might be in for disappointment. Post-break-in inspections are crucial for new cars, so don't miss out if they're free. Not all automakers are this generous, especially with smaller brands or models that have fewer promotions, so extra caution is needed.

[MacDakota]

As a homemaker, I always think about saving costs when buying a car, and the free first maintenance service is a big help. Last month when our family got a new car, the salesperson directly said the first maintenance was free, covering oil changes and basic inspections. However, my best friend who bought an older model had to pay, costing her a few hundred yuan. The free service mainly depends on promotions by 4S dealerships to attract you for more car maintenance. The key is not to take it for granted—flip through the manual or call the official website for consultation before buying, as policies can change. The first maintenance is simple but necessary, dealing with carbon buildup after the break-in period of a new car. Free service isn’t a strict rule; for example, luxury brands sometimes charge, which isn’t surprising. Staying informed is the best way to stay safe.

[EmilyFitz]

As an experienced driver, I can tell you that the first maintenance is mostly free, but not always. This is generally the case for new cars from major brands, as 4S shops use it to attract customers; however, older cars or certain niche models may charge for it. For the first maintenance, usually just changing a few things is enough—getting it for free is ideal, but don't delay it to avoid affecting the subsequent warranty.

[Shannon]

When I first started learning to drive, I was quite curious about whether the first maintenance was completely free. After checking, I found that most 4S shops offer free service as a promotion. However, small dealers or specific regions may charge, with prices ranging from tens to hundreds. It's important to ask clearly when buying the car to avoid misunderstandings. Even if it's free, don't forget to go for maintenance on time. The process is simple but crucial for the car's health—don't lose the big for the small.