Is the first maintenance at 5,000 kilometers or 3,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
The first maintenance can be done at 3,000 kilometers, but it must be done by 5,000 kilometers. Given the road conditions in China, changing the engine oil more frequently is better for the car, especially in urban areas with frequent traffic congestion and stop-and-go conditions. During the break-in period, new cars often operate at low speeds with low RPMs, leading to more sludge deposits in the engine due to break-in impurities. Therefore, performing the first maintenance at 3,000 kilometers is normal. Once the vehicle enters the maintenance workshop, the owner can follow along to observe the entire maintenance process, particularly to supervise the materials used and the diligence of the maintenance workers. Following the process also allows the owner to learn some simple repair techniques and understand the basic structure of the car, which can be very practical for handling unexpected emergencies on the road in the future.
When I bought my first car, I also struggled with this issue and specifically asked a veteran technician at the 4S dealership. He said most new cars now come with break-in oil from the factory, and following the manual's recommendation of the first service at 5,000 km is completely fine. However, if you frequently drive on mountain roads or carry heavy loads, getting a check at 3,000 km is more prudent. Once, I drove a colleague's SUV for long-distance transport, and the oil turned black after just 3,500 km—early maintenance to prevent carbon buildup is indeed crucial. Nowadays, the first service for new cars mainly involves changing the oil and oil filter, and the technician will also inspect the chassis bolts and computer systems—this expense shouldn't be skipped. If you exceed 8,000 km before the first service, the 4S dealership might really refuse warranty service; a friend of mine learned this the hard way. I recommend frequently checking the manual, as requirements vary significantly between different car manufacturers.