Is the first maintenance for a new car always free?
4 Answers
New car first maintenance is usually free. Below is a detailed introduction to car maintenance items: 1. Engine oil and oil filter replacement. This mainly involves maintenance for the lubrication system, whose primary function is to effectively lubricate various components of the car engine to prevent excessive wear. The oil filter's role is to remove various impurities from the engine oil, ensuring the normal operation of the lubrication system. The oil filter should be replaced along with the engine oil during an oil change. Under normal circumstances, a car needs maintenance every 5,000 kilometers. 2. The air filter's function is to filter air before it enters the cylinder, removing impurities, dust, sand, and other foreign particles. The cleaning and maintenance of the air filter depend on the usage environment. The gasoline filter is generally replaced after driving 20,000-25,000 kilometers. 3. Spark plugs are consumable parts and should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. In addition, components such as brake fluid, transmission oil, battery, throttle, fuel injector, and brake pads are all inspection items during routine maintenance, and their maintenance depends on usage conditions.
I just bought a new car a few months ago and was excited to drive it home, only to find out that the first maintenance service isn’t always free. It depends on the brand you buy and the dealer promotions. For example, I chose a major brand, and they proactively offered free first maintenance as a purchase incentive, but my friend who bought a smaller brand didn’t get this benefit. You should clarify with the salesperson before signing the contract to avoid being misled. The first maintenance usually includes the first oil change and a general vehicle inspection—if it’s free, you can save a few hundred bucks; otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket. I recommend checking out multiple dealerships, comparing their service packages, and even bringing this up as a negotiation point, since the first maintenance is crucial for preventing minor issues in a new car and saving money in the long run. In short, don’t take it for granted—ask for details before making your purchase.
As a seasoned driver with over twenty years of experience, I've witnessed many changes in new car first service policies. Many brands offer free first service to attract customers, but it's not a standardized practice. You need to check the specific contract terms and promotional offers. Brands like Toyota and Volkswagen typically include free first service, but some startups or niche brands may not. Every time I buy a new car, I negotiate with the salesperson to secure this benefit. The first service is crucial for oil changes and initial inspections to ensure the new car's health, and skipping it could affect the warranty. If it's not free, the cost isn't high, but there's no need to waste money. Spending extra effort negotiating when purchasing a car can save you a lot and provide peace of mind in car maintenance. From experience, free first service is becoming more common but not guaranteed, so always confirm before proceeding.
From a car purchasing perspective, I've learned that whether the first maintenance is free depends on the brand's policy. Most well-known automakers include free first maintenance as a standard service, but smaller brands or discounted models may be exceptions. Salespeople often use this as a promotional point to attract buyers, but you should check the contract details and not rely on verbal promises. The first maintenance involves basic services like oil changes and filter inspections, which normally don't cost much but are worth getting for free. It's advisable to compare dealer offers when choosing a car or directly ask the after-sales team to confirm the policy. If you miss the free opportunity, you should still do the first maintenance to prevent issues during the new car's break-in period, making long-term maintenance more worry-free. In practice, this service is easy to obtain but requires proactive effort.
