Is There a First Maintenance for New Cars?
4 Answers
New car first maintenance time is between 3 to 5 months, with the first maintenance mileage ranging from 3000 kilometers to 5000 kilometers. Usually, it is determined based on whichever comes first between the mileage and the specified first maintenance time. Items to be done during first maintenance: Generally, apart from changing the engine oil and oil filter, the first maintenance for a car also includes a comprehensive inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle's condition and usage. Introduction to car maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Its purpose is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process of car parts, and extend the usage cycle.
When I bought my car last year, the salesperson specifically emphasized the importance of the first free maintenance service. Nowadays, most new cars come with complimentary first maintenance, which is a benefit provided by the manufacturer. It's usually recommended to be done around six months after purchase or at 5,000 kilometers (check your maintenance manual for exact timing). The first maintenance mainly involves an oil and oil filter change, and the technician will also check basic items like tire pressure and brake pads. However, be aware that some 4S shops might try to upsell you on unnecessary services like engine cleaning—these are completely avoidable. Remember to bring your maintenance manual and vehicle license when you go, and booking an appointment a day in advance can save you half a day of waiting in line. Also, note that if you miss the first maintenance deadline, the manufacturer's benefits might be voided, so don’t delay too long.
When I first got my new car, I was also puzzled about what to pay attention to during the initial maintenance. Actually, there are three key things about the first service: First, you must go to an authorized 4S dealership, otherwise it may affect future warranty claims; Second, the service mainly consists of basic maintenance items and usually takes just 1 hour; Third, directly decline any additional paid services. A colleague of mine got tricked into replacing the cabin air filter for an extra 300 yuan, only to later find out the manual clearly states this isn't included in the first service. I recommend following the technician to the workshop during maintenance - you can learn the inspection process while preventing inferior parts substitution. Remember to get the maintenance record after service, as it serves as proof of vehicle condition when selling the car later.
Last week, while accompanying a friend for their first maintenance service, I discovered quite a few insider tips. The first maintenance card is usually tucked inside the service manual. Some shops might intentionally claim they can't find it to charge you extra—calling the manufacturer's 400 hotline directly is the most effective solution in such cases. When changing the engine oil, it's best to confirm whether the specified viscosity in the manual is being used. I've seen dealerships use the wrong oil viscosity for hybrid models. Also, don't rush off after the service. Start the engine first to check if there are any warning lights on the dashboard, and test the lights and wipers—once, when I picked up my car, I found they hadn't reset the service reminder light, and had to go back and spend half a day sorting it out.
