Is the first maintenance for a new car at 3 months or 5000 kilometers?
3 Answers
The optimal time for the first maintenance of a new car is 6 months or a mileage of 5000 kilometers, whichever comes first. For example, if the car has been driven for 6 months without reaching 5000 kilometers, the first maintenance should be done at 6 months. If the car reaches 5000 kilometers before 6 months, the first maintenance should be done at 5000 kilometers. Before the first maintenance, you need to make an appointment in advance: First, it's best to make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. Otherwise, if you go without an appointment, you might encounter situations where there are no available service bays or you have to wait in line for a long time. Before the first maintenance, you need to bring the necessary documents: When going for the first maintenance, bring essential items such as the maintenance manual and the vehicle registration document. If you are unsure about which documents to bring, make sure to ask clearly when making the appointment. If you encounter any faults or questions while driving, you can record them and inform the staff during the first maintenance registration. This will help the technician to check all the issues during the first maintenance.
When I first bought my new car, I was also confused about this issue. Later, after consulting a few friends who own auto repair shops, I learned that most brands' first maintenance policy is based on whichever comes first: three months or 5,000 kilometers. I remember last year, my neighbor's Japanese car had only driven 2,000 kilometers in three months, but the engine oil had already emulsified and deteriorated. I suggest you check the maintenance manual provided when you purchased the car—it’s definitely clearly stated there. In my opinion, the first few months of a new car are especially critical. The engine is still in the break-in period, and metal debris can easily mix into the oil. Don’t wait until you hit 5,000 kilometers; make an appointment as soon as the three-month mark arrives. Spending half a day on inspections and an oil change is absolutely more cost-effective than repairing the engine later. Also, pay attention to your driving habits during the first 3,000 kilometers—avoid slamming the accelerator or brakes abruptly, and try to keep the RPM below 4,000.
It really depends on the specific model. Having driven German, Japanese, and domestic cars, I've noticed significant differences between brands. Last week when accompanying my cousin to pick up his new car, I specifically asked the 4S dealership. The salesperson said the current mainstream approach is to prioritize mileage. Based on my experience with American cars, if you commute 30km daily, you'll only drive about 2,700km in three months. So focus on the dashboard - when approaching 5,000km, schedule maintenance in advance. Remember to bring the purchase invoice and maintenance manual, as some dealerships check the purchase date. I recommend new owners set a phone reminder, treating the first maintenance as equally important as an annual inspection. New car oil filters clog particularly easily - early maintenance never hurts.
