Is the purchase invoice required for the first maintenance?
3 Answers
The purchase invoice is required for the first maintenance. In addition, you will also need to bring: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle's registration book to the designated first maintenance facility for the service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after the new car has been driven. The specific time varies by vehicle, usually after driving 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. The car must undergo the first maintenance on time—neither early nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required. The first maintenance period is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever indicator is met first will be the standard. First maintenance items include: Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure if necessary; Inspect lighting system operation (headlights, indicator lights, emergency signal lights, trunk light, cabin light, glove box light, dashboard warning lights, etc.); Check windshield wiper and washer operation/wiper blade position/wear; visually inspect the exterior of the vehicle, underbody protective components, pipes/hoses (exhaust, fuel lines, brake lines), and rubber parts (dust covers, bushings, spacers, etc.); Visually inspect the condition of various control belts; Check/adjust clutch pedal height and travel; Check/adjust handbrake travel; Check and tighten chassis bolts; Clean the air filter element. Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most important aspect of the first maintenance for a new car is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When replacing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The choice of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use and Maintenance Manual," as different models require different oil specifications. Maintenance precautions: Do not rinse the interior of the car with water: Many people clean their cars themselves during holidays, rinsing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. It is important to note that the interior of the car should not be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, scrub them with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them back. The rubber mats on the cabin floor have many drainage holes beneath them. If water enters, it will not dry naturally but will flow through the holes to components like the transmission, causing corrosion. The best practice is to vacuum clean first and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and refill it with the same brand from the beginning. Different brands of antifreeze have different chemical properties and use different corrosion inhibitors. Do not mix them to avoid unnecessary issues. Do not lubricate wheel bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some people apply lubricant, but this poses a safety risk. At high speeds, bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions.
Last time I went for the first maintenance of my new car, I just drove directly to the 4S dealership. The staff only scanned the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the system to retrieve the information, and there was no need to bring the purchase invoice at all. They said the invoice is only used during the initial registration when buying the car, and for maintenance, the VIN can verify vehicle ownership and warranty status. I recommend you bring your vehicle license and maintenance manual just in case they need to verify your identity or record maintenance details, which can save you from unnecessary hassle. Actually, the first maintenance is very important—it should be done within 5,000 kilometers or three months. Don’t miss out on the free services, as skipping them might affect future warranty claims. It’s best to make an appointment in advance to save time, and pay close attention to feedback on your car’s condition to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
The 4S store's system is networked to archive sales records. Maintenance schedules are retrieved via the vehicle identification number (VIN), making the purchase invoice largely unnecessary. Technically, the invoice's function is primarily for initial registration or loan processing. During maintenance, only the vehicle itself and proof of ownership are involved—bringing the vehicle registration certificate or ID card is more reliable. Ensure the first maintenance is completed within the warranty period—for example, most vehicles offer free first maintenance within 6 months. Delaying it may result in losing benefits. Additionally, the checklist includes oil changes and key component inspections. Don’t easily trust extra paid services; stay rational and choose the most hassle-free options.
