What Documents Are Needed for a Free First Car Maintenance?
2 Answers
Documents required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; vehicle purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's initial service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S shop in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven. The specific timing varies by vehicle, with most models requiring their first maintenance (first service) at 5,000 kilometers. The exact time should be based on the maintenance manual's instructions. It's crucial to attend the first maintenance on time, neither early nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the vehicle's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the car. The timing for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. First maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels for normalcy, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normalcy, and examining tires for damage or bulges. Estimated time required: Approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most critical aspect of a new car's first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the 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 grades of engine oil. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, using water and a cloth to scrub. It's important to note that the car's interior should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, they can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or removed, scrubbed with a brush and detergent, dried, and then placed back. There are many drainage holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it won't dry naturally but will flow through these holes to areas like the transmission, causing erosion and corrosion. The best practice 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's recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and refill it with the same brand. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties. Mixing different types of antifreeze can lead to corrosion among the additives. Therefore, avoid mixing different brands of antifreeze to prevent unnecessary issues. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. Some people apply lubricant to wheel bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this can pose safety risks. At high speeds, bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. No need to press the accelerator when shifting gears in an EFI car: The throttle control in an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) car differs from that in a conventional car. The EFI's fuel injection control device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the throttle's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring smooth acceleration.
As a first-timer doing the initial maintenance, I was really nervous last time. Luckily, I didn't forget to bring the owner's manual, as it usually contains the free service coupons. Also, bring the vehicle registration certificate to prove ownership and avoid identity verification issues. Remember to carry your driver's license too—though not mandatory, some 4S stores may require it for information verification. Don't forget your appointment confirmation—either print the email notification or take a screenshot on your phone to skip the queue and get started directly. The entire first maintenance process may take one or two hours, so try to avoid peak hours to prevent long waits. It's best to wash the car beforehand to make it easier for technicians to inspect the chassis or engine. Free service is great, so don't miss the window for oil and filter replacements.
