Is the first maintenance of a new car required within three months?
4 Answers
The first maintenance of a car is not necessarily required within three months; it is based on whichever comes first between three months or 5,000 kilometers. Below are the items related to the first maintenance of a car: 1. Replacement: Replace the engine oil, oil filter, and clean the air filter; check whether the generator belt and wiper blades are damaged. 2. Inspection: Check whether the levels of various fluids are normal. 3. Tire pressure: Check whether the tire pressure is normal and whether there is uneven tire wear, bulging, or damage. 4. Chassis: Inspect the car’s chassis, including checking for scratches on the brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints. 5. Switch operation: Check whether all the switches and lights in the car are working properly.
I just went through the first car maintenance last year and can share my personal experience. When I bought the car, the salesperson said the first maintenance should be done within three months, but it's not that rigid. There are two main factors to consider: your user manual and driving conditions. Most brands recommend the first maintenance at three months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. For example, I mostly drive in the city for commuting, and after three months, I had only driven 3,000 kilometers. The 4S shop suggested waiting until 4,000 kilometers before doing the maintenance, which was fine. However, don’t delay too long. If the mileage hasn’t been reached after three months, it’s best to check the engine oil condition, as new cars in the break-in period can accumulate carbon deposits and degrade the oil. Missing the specified time might affect warranty rights, such as losing free repairs. In short, don’t stress over strict deadlines—flexibly follow the manual and your actual driving schedule. Regularly checking the manual and maintaining a consistent maintenance routine is good for your car’s health, prolonging its lifespan while saving money and hassle.
From a technical perspective, the first maintenance requirement for new vehicles is not a rigid three-month deadline. During the initial few thousand kilometers, the engine is in a break-in period where gear meshing generates fine metal particles that contaminate the engine oil. Early oil replacement helps protect internal components. Manufacturers set standards based on different models—typically intervals of three months or 5,000-7,500 kilometers. For infrequent drivers (e.g., covering only 1,000 kilometers per month), time becomes less critical, but prolonged oil oxidation and aging remain concerns. The key issue lies in warranty agreements: missing the first maintenance deadline may lead to claim rejections. I recommend owners prioritize the manual's guidelines and combine them with odometer readings to avoid rushing or delays. Timely first maintenance prevents major failures and reduces future repair costs, making it a cost-effective practice.
From a cost-saving perspective, there's no need to strictly adhere to the 3-month deadline for the first maintenance. Simply follow the manual's recommendations—some car brands offer a first maintenance window of 6 months or 10,000 km. Doing it earlier ensures a smooth transition through the engine break-in period and reduces major repair costs later. However, if the mileage hasn't been reached yet, waiting a bit longer is fine. Warranty protection is crucial; breaking the rules might mean paying for repairs out of pocket, which is a big loss. Plan your timing wisely and don't fall for dealership upsells pushing early maintenance for profit. The key is balancing driving habits with timely maintenance—saving money while staying worry-free.
