
Here are the 6 things to do when you get a new car: 1. Remove the protective film: New vehicles usually come with a protective film to prevent scratches, but it should be removed upon delivery because the film contains harmful gases that can be detrimental to human health. For your safety, it's best to remove the film right away. 2. Check the included items: Ensure all the items that come with the vehicle are complete, such as the warning triangle, tire-changing tools, etc. If anything is missing, ask the dealer to provide it immediately. 3. Inspect the vehicle's basic condition: Check if the tire pressure is normal and if all the displays inside the car are functioning properly. These checks can prevent future issues, so be thorough and don't miss anything. 4. Ventilate the car: Air out the interior to remove any odors. Since the car has been in the dealership for a while, the air inside may have become stale and could contain harmful gases. 5. Adjust the seats: Set up the driver's seat and rearview mirrors to your preference at the dealership, so you won't be flustered when driving home. 6. Familiarize yourself with the car's functions: Different cars have different features, so getting to know them beforehand will make driving much easier.

The first thing to do when you get a new car is to check all documents and checklists, especially important certificates like the vehicle qualification certificate and the three-guarantee certificate—never lose these. I always have the 4S dealer perform a complete handover inspection in front of me, such as recording the mileage and checking the tire production dates. Remove the protective film on the steering wheel—it can be dangerously slippery if left on. Remember to ask the technician to teach you basic operations, as features like auto start-stop can confuse beginners. For the first few thousand kilometers, drive gently—keep the RPM below 3,000 and treat the accelerator as if stepping on an egg. Finally, schedule window tinting and dash installation ASAP—parking outdoors without sun protection can cause the dashboard to blister.

The key is to thoroughly understand the vehicle's condition. When picking up the car, I always bring a flashlight to inspect the paint, especially on the bumper and door edges where transport scratches are common. Check the fluid levels with the after- staff on the spot—insufficient coolant can cause overheating on highways. Don't forget the onboard tools; memorize the locations of the warning triangle and jack. Study the manual first after driving home—adjust settings like automatic headlight sensitivity and seatbelt reminders to your preference. Avoid washing or waxing the car immediately; wait two weeks for the paint to cure. It's advisable to get into the habit of requesting fuel receipts in the first month, so any fuel-related issues during the warranty period can be traced back.

Don't just take photos for social media when you get the keys. The top priority is activating the car's connectivity features—modern vehicle systems with APP binding allow remote temperature control, which is extremely practical. Tire pressure must be calibrated; I've seen factory settings as high as 3.5. Recording initial fuel consumption is crucial for detecting anomalies later. Use your to photograph all dashboard warning lights—new drivers often panic when alerts appear. Remove rear seat plastic wraps promptly to minimize formaldehyde exposure. During the break-in period, note that brake pads require about 300 km to reach optimal performance—maintain safe following distances.

On the first day of picking up my car, I did three things: First, I adjusted the driver's seat to the most comfortable angle, along with setting the rearview mirror—driving for half an hour in city traffic with a twisted neck can be exhausting. Then, I turned off the auto-play radio function in the central control screen; this design is quite annoying. I also placed a reflective vest and a fire extinguisher in the trunk to avoid fines during traffic police inspections. Remember to test the cigarette lighter socket and USB ports—last week, a friend's new car had a faulty charging port. Most importantly, note down the 24-hour after- service number and stick it on the sun visor; it's not uncommon for new cars to break down in the middle of the night. For the first three refuels, I chose Sinopec, avoiding small gas stations for added safety.

Pro tip: Don't drive away immediately after completing the paperwork. Find a shady spot to study the light combination switch—figuring out how to turn on fog lights during rain or fog is too late. Focus on testing the anti-pinch function of all windows; a water bottle can be used for this. Download offline navigation on your in advance, as some garages have no signal. Remember to apply protectant to the leather seats. The floor mats from the dealership will do for now, but TPE material ones you buy yourself fit better. After driving 1,000 kilometers, go for the free first oil change—factory oil contains more metal shavings. Lastly, make sure to securely attach the temporary license plate to the lower right corner of the rear window. Last year, I got pulled over twice by traffic police for this.


