What certificates are required for a car's first maintenance?
2 Answers
The items needed for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's registration certificate; vehicle's purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's first service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after the new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by vehicle, generally after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. The car needs to participate in the first maintenance in a timely manner, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven according to the standard load and normal speed required by the vehicle. The time for the first maintenance is calculated based on the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance time: mileage and time. Whichever comes first is the standard. First maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various oil levels for normalcy, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normalcy, and examining tires for damage or bulges, etc. Required time: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most important aspect of a new car's first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced simultaneously. The selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car body with water: Many people clean their cars themselves during holidays, washing the body with water and scrubbing with a cloth. Here, it is necessary to remind that the interior of the car body should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, you can use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, scrub them with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many vent holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the cockpit. Water entering these areas will not dry by air but will flow through the vent holes to parts like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. A better approach is to clean with a vacuum cleaner and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the car's antifreeze is low, it is recommended to drain the antifreeze early and add the same brand of antifreeze from the beginning. Since antifreeze brands differ, their chemical functions vary significantly. Various functional additives can corrode other functional additives. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When the bolts on a moving car rust, it is common to oil them to restore normal operation. To prevent the bolts and nuts on the wheels from rusting, some people apply lubricating oil to them, which can introduce unnecessary risks to safe driving. When the car is driven at high speed, the bolts and nuts can easily loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. When starting an electronic fuel injection car, there's no need to press the accelerator: The starter of an electronic fuel injection car is different from that of a regular car. Its fuel injection control device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
Last year, I took my new car for its first maintenance service. I prepared the purchase invoice and user manual in advance. The invoice proved the purchase date to ensure the free service was within the warranty period, while the manual was filled with details about the specific items and procedures for the first maintenance, such as oil and filter changes. The vehicle registration certificate is a must-have, as the dealership uses it to verify the car's information and avoid mistakes. Some cars even come with a maintenance card or a unique code, so remember to pack it. On my first attempt, I forgot the manual and had to make a wasted trip, so now I always call the 4S store beforehand to confirm the requirements. After the first maintenance, the car ran smoother. The key is not to miss the free service period to avoid paying out of pocket unnecessarily. The maintenance is usually due within 5,000 kilometers or six months after picking up the car.
