Is the first maintenance required within three months?
3 Answers
The first maintenance for a new car is not necessarily required within three months. Generally, since the engine, transmission, and other components of a new car are brand new, the first maintenance is scheduled at 3 months or 5,000 kilometers to ensure the longevity of these parts. Additional details: The first maintenance includes: 1. Checking fluid levels: 1. Engine oil. 2. Engine coolant. 3. Brake fluid. 4. Power steering fluid. 5. Windshield washer fluid. 2. Inspection items: 1. Checking for leaks in the engine and transmission. 2. Inspecting the sealing and condition of pipelines and housings. 3. Checking the windshield washer mechanism and fluid level. 4. Inspecting the sealing and condition of the steering mechanism and driveshaft dust covers. 5. Checking the sealing and condition of the triangular arm and connecting rod ball joints. 6. Inspecting the condition of the front and rear shock absorbers. 7. Checking the condition and pressure of tires (including the spare tire). 8. Verifying the operation of lights and the horn. 9. Assessing the battery status. 10. Inspecting the exhaust pipe and the underside of the body. 11. Checking the clutch travel or self-adjusting mechanism. 12. Verifying the condition of the handbrake. 13. Inspecting the spark plugs for carbon buildup and replacing them if necessary.
It is generally recommended to perform the first maintenance on a vehicle within three months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. After driving a new car for about a thousand kilometers, metal debris mixed in the engine oil should be replaced early to protect the engine. However, the specifics depend on the brand you purchased. My German car specifies the first service at six months or 7,500 kilometers, while my friend's Japanese car requires it at just three months. Being a few days overdue isn't a big issue, but don't delay too long, as the dealership might give you a hard time about voiding the warranty. If you're too busy with work to make it, call the dealership in advance; they can usually accommodate a delay of about a week.
Most brands set the first maintenance at a three-month deadline, primarily due to concerns about the break-in period for new cars. When I bought my car the year before last, I went in three days before the three-month mark, and the technician immediately detected three times the normal amount of metal shavings in the engine. However, this isn't an absolute rule—Lexus, for example, schedules its first maintenance at six months. The key is to check what the maintenance manual specifies, as requirements can vary significantly between different models. I recommend consulting the manual or asking the salesperson. If you've exceeded the deadline, don't panic—bring your purchase invoice and discuss it with the after-sales manager. They usually won't actually void the warranty, but remember to maintain a polite attitude.
