
The second maintenance for a new vehicle requires replacing the engine oil and oil filter, along with inspecting various fluids and components, including tires and the chassis. The items for the second maintenance are essentially the same as those for the first maintenance: The second maintenance for a new vehicle requires replacing the engine oil and oil filter, along with inspecting various fluids and components, including tires and the chassis. The items for the second maintenance are essentially the same as those for the first maintenance. Items to be checked during the second maintenance: Check that the steering free play and toe-in meet the required standards, ensuring the steering is light, flexible, and reliable, with no lateral wobble or deviation of the front wheels during driving. Inspect the transmission, drive axle, or half-shaft drive mechanism for proper lubrication, secure connections, absence of abnormal noise or overheating, smooth gear shifting without jumping or oil leakage. Verify that the brake pedal free travel and brake clearance meet specifications, ensuring the service and parking brakes function properly without deviation or dragging during braking, with the inertia proportioning valve operating normally and no oil leakage.

My neighbor's Honda just had its second maintenance service the other day. He mentioned they mainly changed the engine oil and oil filter, after all, the engine is the heart of the car. The technician also checked the air filter, blew out the dust, and would recommend a replacement if it was too dirty. They measured the tire pressure and checked the wear and tear, as wheel alignment is crucial. The thickness of the brake pads and the tightness of the chassis bolts were also inspected to ensure safety on the highway. Oh, and they even gave the car a free wash. It feels like the second maintenance is like a health check-up for the car. Spending around three to four hundred yuan seems totally worth it—the throttle feels lighter after the oil change, and the driving experience is noticeably different.

Last time I took my wife's Corolla for its second maintenance at the 4S shop, the checklist was extremely detailed. The basic items definitely included changing the engine oil and oil filter—semi-synthetic oil was sufficient. The air filter had to be taken out and inspected; if it was dirty, it was replaced on the spot. They also lifted the car and tapped the chassis, saying they needed to check for oil leaks or deformations. The tire pressure had to be adjusted to the standard value, and they almost missed a nail. The most surprising part was that they topped up the windshield washer fluid and tightened the wiper blades. After the maintenance, they even printed out the remaining thickness data of the brake pads, suggesting another check after 8,000 kilometers. Now, I take photos during every maintenance session to keep records, which gives me peace of mind.

Just completed the second maintenance for my Focus. To summarize, it covers three major areas: fluids, chassis, and electrical systems. Engine oil and oil filter must be replaced - as regular as meals for humans. The air filter is changed based on conditions; I got a new one due to poor air quality here. The chassis requires a thorough inspection, including suspension ball joints and brake fluid lines. Even small components like lights and wipers need checking, especially the reverse lights which are safety-critical. It's advisable to bring the maintenance manual to verify items, as some shops might push unnecessary add-ons like engine cleaning. Pay special attention to whether the four tires show even wear - uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment.

Our car enthusiasts group often discusses money-saving tips for the second maintenance. The basic items are just changing the engine oil and oil filter. Choose durable big brands like Mann for the oil filter. Buy the air filter online for 30 yuan and ask the mechanic to install it to save on labor costs. When inspecting the chassis, keep an eye on whether the ball joint rubber boots are cracked, as these are wear-prone parts. Remember to ask for the tires to be rotated front to back, which can extend their lifespan by 20,000 kilometers. Don’t forget to request a free top-up of the coolant level. Finally, ask for a detailed maintenance list so you’ll know what needs to be done and what can be postponed next time. For someone like me who drives 10,000 kilometers a year, the second maintenance can be done within 400 yuan.


