Is the first maintenance within three months or can it be exceeded?
3 Answers
Different brands and models of cars have different first maintenance periods. Some models require the first maintenance to be done within three months, while others require it within six months. Here is an introduction to the first maintenance of a car: 1. The first maintenance of a car is the initial mandatory maintenance after the car leaves the factory. 2. In China, except for imported models, the first maintenance for domestic and joint-venture models is generally free. 3. Different brands and models may have different requirements, but most of them require the first maintenance to be done within 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers or three to six months. When choosing the time and mileage for the first maintenance, try not to exceed the specified time or mileage. Otherwise, you may have to pay for the first maintenance yourself due to exceeding the time or mileage.
I often encounter new car owners being confused about this issue. Simply put, most car models do require the first maintenance at three months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. However, this deadline is actually flexible. Last week, I helped a neighbor deal with a similar situation—his Japanese car was over by two weeks, but the 4S shop still performed the service for free. Still, I’d advise against taking the risk, as exceeding the deadline may affect the engine and transmission warranty. If you really can’t make it, contact the 4S shop immediately to explain the situation. A friend of mine was delayed due to a business trip but successfully got an extension after providing flight ticket proof. Special reminder: cars with modified powertrains should be especially punctual, as 4S shops are particularly strict about this.
The first service interval depends on the specific brand. German cars are generally strict about deadlines - exceeding by even one day beyond three months may incur charges. However, some domestic new energy brands allow flexibility, extending the first inspection period up to six months. The key is to check the maintenance manual in your glove compartment - those fine-print clauses in the page margins are the actual guidelines. When I purchased my car last year, I specifically asked the after-sales manager who revealed there's typically a 5-7 day grace period in their system. But don't push your luck, especially with turbocharged models - timely replacement of metal particles from the break-in period is crucial. Setting a reminder on your phone is the safest approach.
