
Lavida's first maintenance is required at 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. Here are the relevant details: 1. Maintenance items: The 4S shop includes over 20 inspection and adjustment items such as engine oil and oil filter replacement. The maintenance content for each mileage stage includes some periodic replacements (based on time intervals or mileage intervals), such as power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, air filter, fuel filter, brake hoses, engine belts, timing chain and tension adjuster. 2. Usage-based replacement: Some items can be replaced based on usage, wear, or corrosion, such as coolant, spark plugs, brake pads, wiper blades, and tires. Some items are replaced only when unpredictable issues arise, such as batteries and tie rod ends.

When I bought my Lavida back then, I also struggled with the first maintenance issue. The manual clearly states 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. The salesperson kept urging me to go at 3,000 kilometers, but I believe the manufacturer set this standard for a reason. New car break-in oil does tend to have metal particles, but with modern engine technology advancements, 5,000 kilometers is completely manageable. Unless you're driving on rough construction sites every day, there's really no need to go early. Saving those extra kilometers means you can drive for another half month, and the free items covered in the first maintenance are limited. Going early might just get you upsold on paid services. Remember, timely maintenance is more important than premature maintenance—it saves both time and money.

As a frequent visitor to repair shops, the 5,000 km first maintenance interval for the Lavida is actually quite scientific. New car engines require a certain break-in period, and the oil's cleaning performance is fully sufficient within 5,000 km. However, regional differences should be noted—in cold northern winters or humid southern environments, it can be slightly advanced to 4,500 km. Some 4S shops always try to trick people into early maintenance, simply to increase shop visits. I'd recommend car owners download a maintenance reminder app that automatically calculates the cycle based on the purchase date. Also, remember to bring all documents for the first maintenance—free items only include oil, oil filter, and basic inspection. For any chargeable items, always clarify before signing.

Last month, I just took my wife's Lavida for its first maintenance at exactly 5,000 kilometers. The technician at the 4S store said that nowadays engines are cold run-in before leaving the factory, unlike older cars that required special early maintenance. However, for the first three months of a new car, it's important to frequently check the oil dipstick. If you notice the oil level dropping quickly or see metallic reflections, you should advance the maintenance. During the service, I kept an eye on the whole process. The oil used was 5W-40 semi-synthetic, and the oil filter looked quite ordinary. The whole process took forty minutes, and they also adjusted the tire pressure to the standard values. I feel that maintaining the Lavida is quite hassle-free; just follow the manual and you can't go wrong.

A colleague's newly purchased Lavida was urged to undergo its first maintenance at just 3,000 kilometers, only to make a wasted trip. The manufacturer stipulates that free maintenance is triggered at 5,000 kilometers, so going early means either paying out of pocket or being turned away. In reality, the critical break-in period for a new car is within the first 1,000 kilometers—just avoid slamming the accelerator or overloading during this time. I recommend paying close attention to the engine sound as you approach 5,000 kilometers; if you hear any unusual metallic noises, go immediately. Additionally, keep a record of the mileage at each refuel to accurately calculate maintenance intervals. Nowadays, mobile apps can sync with dashboard data, so setting a reminder is the safest bet.


