What documents should I bring for the first car maintenance?
3 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; vehicle registration certificate; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance facility for the 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, with the specific time varying by vehicle, usually after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time, 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 under standard loads and normal speeds as required by the vehicle. The timing of 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. The first maintenance items include: oil change, oil filter replacement, air filter cleaning, checking various fluid levels for normalcy, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normalcy, and inspecting tires for damage or bulges. Estimated time required: approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most crucial aspect of the first maintenance for a new car is the replacement of engine oil and the oil filter. When changing the oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The selection of 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 during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it 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 take them out to brush and clean with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many vent holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. Water entering these areas will not dry naturally but will flow through the holes to parts like the gearbox, 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 antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and add the same brand from the beginning. Different brands of antifreeze have significantly different chemical properties. Various functional additives may corrode others. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid 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 bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this poses a risk to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can easily 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 device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
When I went for my first car maintenance after buying a new car, I was a bit nervous, afraid of forgetting something that might delay the process. The required documents include proof of identity, such as an ID card or driver's license, so the 4S shop can verify I'm the owner. The vehicle license is absolutely essential—it contains key details like the license plate number and engine number. Also, the car purchase contract or invoice is needed to prove when I bought the car, as the first maintenance period is usually calculated from the purchase date. The maintenance manual is a must too, as most brands include a free first-service card inside. Once, I only brought my ID card and forgot the vehicle license, which cost me half an hour to go back and fetch—a lesson learned. During maintenance, they’ll change the oil and check the brakes and tires, but efficiency depends on having all the documents ready. I suggest preparing a small bag the day before, putting everything inside, and keeping it in the car—effortless and worry-free. In short, having everything ready ensures safety and speed—don’t underestimate these details.
As a busy parent juggling kids, keeping the first car service simple is key. I usually just bring the essentials: ID (driver's license or ID card), vehicle registration to verify car details, and occasionally the purchase invoice (though calling ahead to confirm requirements is safer). Most first services being free is a bonus – forgetting documents might be fixable but wastes time. From experience, prepping documents in a folder on the passenger seat the day before saves hassle. Post-service benefits like faster AC cooling are noticeable, and timely maintenance ensures safety. Stick to necessities to maximize free service benefits efficiently – saving both money and effort.
