What are the precautions for the first car maintenance?
4 Answers
New car owners should pay attention to the following points for the first maintenance: 1. Pay attention to the maintenance time: When purchasing the car, the 4S store staff will inform the owner of the first maintenance time and mileage. If the first maintenance time is approaching, the 4S store staff will also notify in advance. The vehicle comes with a maintenance manual, which also indicates the first maintenance time and mileage. Owners can follow the information provided for the first maintenance. 2. Required first maintenance items: The first maintenance includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, and conducting a comprehensive inspection of the car. 3. Pay attention to the oil used in the first maintenance: Since the vehicle is in the running-in period, the parts are not fully worn in, and impurities may appear during use, affecting the performance of the oil. It is necessary to change the oil in time during the first maintenance to avoid a decline in oil performance. 4. Pay attention to pre-checking any existing problems before the first maintenance: The first maintenance is not just about changing the oil but also involves checking the various performance aspects of the car. Before the first maintenance, the owner needs to evaluate the car, noting any abnormalities or other issues encountered during use, and keep a record to resolve them promptly during the first maintenance.
Last time, my car had just run 3,000 kilometers when I took it for its first service. Making an appointment in advance saved a lot of hassle. Remember to bring the purchase invoice and maintenance manual, and don’t forget the oil change coupon inside. The focus of the first service is on changing the engine oil and oil filter. The 4S shop will conduct a full vehicle inspection, so make sure to keep an eye on checking the chassis bolts and tire conditions. A friend of mine discovered transmission oil leakage during the first service and filed a claim on the spot. It’s recommended to stay nearby throughout the process to secretly learn the technician’s inspection tricks and confirm whether the engine oil type is correct. Don’t be fooled into paying extra for unnecessary items like engine cleaning—most first services are free. After completion, keep the work order, which will indicate the date for the next maintenance.
I pay special attention to the details during maintenance, and I schedule the first service on a weekday morning when it's least crowded. Upon arrival, I ask the service advisor to clearly list the free items: oil and filter change, tire pressure check, and light inspection must be done. I focus on the chassis inspection, as screws may loosen during the break-in period of a new car. During maintenance, I prefer to follow into the workshop and quietly observe the technician tightening the suspension bolts. When washing the car, I specifically remind them not to use a high-pressure water gun on the engine bay, as the wiring in a new car is sensitive to water. Finally, I take the leftover oil home for future top-ups, ensuring I match the correct model. I always take photos of the documents for records, as the date and mileage are proof for warranty claims.
As a car owner, I focus on three key things during the first maintenance: engine oil, documentation, and anomaly reporting. I check the manual in advance to confirm the manufacturer's specified oil grade and inspect the unsealed bottle on-site to prevent substitution. During the workshop inspection, I proactively pointed out the abnormal noise when going over speed bumps, and the mechanic traced it to a loose exhaust pipe bracket. After the maintenance, I didn't rush to leave—first, I started the cold engine to listen for any unusual sounds, then tested the brake pedal feel on the road. I double-check the license plate and VIN on the maintenance records to avoid issues with incorrect dates. Remember to reset the maintenance reminder light to ensure accurate timing for the next service interval.
