Should I service my car if the mileage hasn't reached but the time interval has?
2 Answers
Yes. The first maintenance of a car refers to its initial service, generally recommended at 5,000 km/6 months (with some exceptions). Many brand 4S shops have shortened this interval to remind customers to service at 3,000 km/3 months to reduce maintenance cycles. The service should be performed when either of these two conditions is met first. The regulations for the first maintenance of a new car are as follows: 1. The period from when a new car starts running until its first maintenance is called the break-in period. During this time, since components like the engine and transmission gears are not fully run-in, it's generally advised not to drive too fast—definitely not exceeding 100 km/h, and preferably staying under 80 km/h. 2. During the break-in period, besides not exceeding 100 km/h, the engine speed should also not surpass 3,000 rpm. Avoid accelerating too aggressively, as poor break-in may lead to more issues later and reduced fuel efficiency. 3. After purchasing a new car, 4S shops usually require the first maintenance within 3,000 km. However, manufacturers actually recommend completing the first service within 5,000 km, so never exceed 5,000 km before the first maintenance.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I don't usually understand the complicated aspects of car repairs, but based on personal experience, even if the mileage hasn't been reached, maintenance is definitely necessary when the time comes. Think about it, engine oil gradually oxidizes and deteriorates over time—its performance declines even if the car isn't driven much, which can lead to engine wear and costly repairs. I experienced this firsthand when my car's manual recommended an oil change every six months, but I ignored it because I drove less. Three months later, the engine noise increased, and a checkup revealed thickened oil, costing me nearly a thousand bucks to fix. Other fluids like coolant and brake fluid also degrade over time, affecting driving safety. So, I suggest sticking to scheduled maintenance—don't skimp on small expenses. Prevention is always better than costly repairs later, and it helps prolong your car's lifespan.
