What documents are needed for the first maintenance?
2 Answers
The items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; vehicle registration book; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle's purchase invoice. Bring these to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's initial service. Important note: Schedule an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven. The specific timing varies by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing the vehicle to be driven under standard loads and normal speeds as required. 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. The condition that is met first will be the standard. First maintenance tasks 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. Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most crucial 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. The choice of oil must refer to the "Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not rinse the interior of the car body with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, washing the exterior with water and wiping the interior with a cloth. It is important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or remove them to clean with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them back. The rubber mats under the driver's floor have many drainage holes. Water entering these areas will not dry but flow through the holes to erode components like the gearbox. A better approach is to use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, followed by wiping 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 existing antifreeze and refill with the same brand. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties, and mixing them can cause corrosion due to incompatible inhibitors. Different brands use different inhibitors, so avoid mixing them to prevent unnecessary issues. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function again. Some people apply lubricant to wheel bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this poses a safety risk. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can loosen or even fall off, leading to driving failures. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) car: The starter of an EFI car differs from that of a conventional car. Its fuel injection control system can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
When I went for my new car's first maintenance service, I thought just bringing the car key would be enough. But when I arrived at the 4S dealership, they needed to check a bunch of things before servicing it. You must bring the vehicle registration certificate to verify the car is yours, your ID card to prove you're the owner, and the maintenance manual which contains initial records – service staff will follow its instructions. Forgetting these may delay maintenance or even affect the warranty. It's best to make an appointment and bring the confirmation SMS or receipt to avoid waiting in line. Last time I didn’t bring the purchase invoice, and they said it wasn’t mandatory, but having it makes the process smoother. The first maintenance is free, but be punctual – don’t exceed the mileage or time limit, or the manufacturer might not honor it. The whole experience taught me that preparing a document folder with the three essentials – registration, ID, and manual – takes less than ten minutes.
