Is the First Car Maintenance Required Within Three Months?

[IrisFitz]

The first car maintenance is not required within three months. Here are the details about car maintenance: New car first maintenance content: Replace engine oil and oil filter; check the operation of the braking system, such as the gap and wear of brake pads and discs; tighten bolts of various systems; check and adjust the drive belt; check and adjust tire balance and alignment; check and replenish various fluids; check the operation of components like lights, battery, shock absorbers, etc. Purpose of car maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.

[DelJonathan]

When buying a car, 4S shops always say the first maintenance must be done within three months, but in reality, it's not that strict. My own car has been running for over five years, and the first maintenance was done strictly according to the manual. The key is to refer to the maintenance manual and the car's reminder system, as requirements vary greatly between brands: Japanese cars usually require maintenance every six months or 5,000 kilometers, while German cars might need it once a year or every 10,000 kilometers. If you've only driven 1,000 kilometers in three months, there's really no need to rush for maintenance. Of course, exceptions apply to stock cars or those frequently stuck in traffic. The reason 4S shops push for early first maintenance is mainly to lock in customers sooner. Don't be intimidated by them; the most reliable approach is to check the manual in your glove compartment yourself.

[SanAddyson]

When I first got my new car, I also struggled with the timing of the first maintenance. Later, I consulted a few experienced mechanics and finally understood. The first maintenance interval mainly depends on the type of oil and driving conditions. Mineral oil indeed needs to be changed around every three months, but full synthetic oil can last over six months. Cars that frequently drive on highways can actually extend the interval appropriately, while cars with more short trips and idle time require more frequent maintenance. Here's an important point many people don't know: exceeding the specified mileage for maintenance can really affect the warranty, but going a few days over the time limit is completely fine—manufacturers have built in a buffer period.

[BradyFitz]

As someone who often helps friends with car purchases, there are three key points to consider regarding the first maintenance. First is the clearly stated schedule in the maintenance manual, second is that actual driving mileage is more important than time, and third is to note that the first maintenance is primarily a free inspection. Manufacturers set the three-month threshold mainly to check the running-in condition of new cars and detect early issues like oil leaks or abnormal noises. If you've only driven a few hundred kilometers in three months, it's perfectly feasible to call the 4S dealership to request a postponement.