Should an 8-month-old stock car go directly for its first maintenance?

[ElliotLynn]

A stock car that has been in inventory for eight months should go directly for its first maintenance. If the storage time is too long, it is best to pick up the car, change the engine oil, and test other vulnerable parts of the vehicle. If there are no issues, you can still follow the instructions in the maintenance manual for the first maintenance time or make some adjustments based on the actual situation. A stock car generally refers to a vehicle that has been in inventory for more than six months without being sold. As a commodity, cars are large in size, expensive, and incur high storage costs, while also tying up a significant amount of the dealer's capital. Therefore, dealers usually do not allow inventory cars to remain unsold for an extended period. However, for various reasons, there are indeed many cars on the market that have been in production for over nine months, and those exceeding one year are considered overdue stock cars. Advancing the first maintenance: After picking up a stock car, the first maintenance should be performed directly. For vehicles with longer storage times, even if they are brand new, maintenance should be carried out immediately as specified in the maintenance manual. For example, brake fluid is generally replaced every two years, calculated from the date of production. Engine oil, due to prolonged storage without use, may deteriorate and settle. It is advisable to replace it if necessary.

[VanTanner]

I encountered this issue when buying a car - that vehicle had been sitting in inventory for a full eight months without moving. I figured that engine oil degrades over time due to oxidation, which could damage the engine, and the tires might have developed flat spots. Plus, the new car's maintenance manual recommends the first service at around six months or 5,000 kilometers. So I went straight to the dealership for the first maintenance, got fresh oil and a new filter, and had them check the battery and tires. Sure enough, the oil had thickened. Although it cost me a few hundred extra, it protected the engine in the long run and avoided higher repair costs later. I believe this shouldn't be delayed - if it affects the warranty, that would be troublesome. It's best to schedule it promptly.

[McSienna]

As someone who has been repairing cars for over a decade, I know that the oil in a stock car sitting for eight months must have deteriorated significantly. Conventional engine oil typically has a shelf life of about six months. If left unused for too long, its viscosity increases, leading to poorer lubrication and potential engine damage. My advice is not to hesitate—go for the first maintenance service right away. Replace the old oil and take the opportunity to check all the vehicle's fluids, such as brake fluid and coolant, to ensure they're in good condition. Also, adjust the tire pressure evenly to avoid deformation risks. Early maintenance can extend your vehicle's lifespan, saving you both hassle and money. Find a reliable shop—it'll only take about half an hour, so don't be lazy.

[StNova]

My relative runs an auto repair shop and has dealt with many customers who bought stock vehicles. He mentioned that engine oil in cars stored for eight months has already expired, which makes the first maintenance even more crucial. Otherwise, the car may run noisily and consume more fuel. I recommend you immediately contact the dealer or a repair shop to perform a quick diagnosis and check the oil condition before deciding whether an early first maintenance is needed. Don’t take the risk by delaying—safety comes first.