What documents should I bring for the first maintenance?

[SanSamantha]

The items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; vehicle purchase invoice. Bring these to the designated first maintenance service provider 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 the new car has been driven, and the specific timing varies by vehicle, usually after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time—neither early nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the vehicle's break-in period, allowing it to operate under standard load and normal speed as required by the car. The first maintenance time is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicators for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. The first maintenance includes: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure and condition (e.g., damage or bulges). Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most critical part of the first maintenance for a new car is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When replacing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be changed. The choice of engine oil must refer to the Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual, as different models require different oil specifications. Maintenance precautions: Do not rinse the interior of the car 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 car's interior should not be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, 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 drainage holes under the rubber mats on the cabin floor. If water enters, it will not dry naturally but will flow through these holes to areas like the gearbox, causing corrosion. The best practice 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: If the antifreeze level is low, it is recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and refill it with the same brand. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties, and mixing them may cause corrosion due to incompatible additives. To avoid unnecessary issues, never mix antifreeze brands. Do not lubricate wheel bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, some may apply oil to restore functionality. However, lubricating wheel bolts and nuts can pose safety risks. At high speeds, lubricated bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving hazards. No need to press the accelerator when starting an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) car: EFI vehicles differ from conventional cars in that their fuel injection control system automatically adjusts fuel supply based on engine temperature and operating conditions, ensuring smooth startup.

[ValeriaRose]

When I go for the first maintenance of my new car, it's generally enough to bring the vehicle maintenance manual, vehicle registration certificate, and a copy of the purchase invoice. The maintenance manual contains the first maintenance voucher page provided by the manufacturer, which the 4S店 will tear off for record-keeping. The registration certificate is used to verify information such as the VIN to ensure the vehicle details are correct. The invoice copy serves as a backup document in case the dealership needs to verify the purchase date. It's advisable to call the 4S店 in advance to confirm the requirements and schedule an off-peak time slot, so you can be assigned a service bay directly upon arrival. During maintenance, it's best to observe the technician's work throughout the process—this way, you can learn some vehicle knowledge and also ensure they don't skip any inspection items.

[OEmmett]

Last time I took my newly purchased SUV for its first maintenance, I put the maintenance manual and vehicle registration certificate in the glove compartment on the passenger side. The service advisor specifically checked the first maintenance card tucked inside the manual, saying it was the proof for the manufacturer's free service. I also brought a copy of my driver's license, which wasn't used in the end but gave me peace of mind. Remember to clean up items in the car in advance, especially the clutter in the trunk, to make it easier for the technician to inspect the chassis. Upon arrival, just drive directly to the reception area and hand the keys to the staff—they will register the vehicle information in the system. The whole process took about 40 minutes, and I also asked the technician to show me how to read the oil dipstick scale.

[MaliaMarie]

For the first maintenance service, three essential items are required: the maintenance manual, vehicle license, and ID card. The manual usually contains a special coupon for the first service, which the 4S dealership needs to reclaim for manufacturer reimbursement. The vehicle license is used to register basic vehicle information, and the ID card may sometimes be needed for real-name registration. It's advisable to schedule the first maintenance on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and long waits. Upon arrival, a service advisor will handle the vehicle registration—remember to remind them to verify the maintenance item details, especially the engine oil type and oil filter brand. While waiting, you can browse the showroom or relax in the customer lounge with a coffee, and take the opportunity to learn about future maintenance packages.

[DeHaley]

For first-time car owners going for their initial maintenance, bringing the maintenance manual is crucial. The first page of the manual often contains a dedicated section for the first maintenance registration, which the 4S dealership needs to input into the system for record-keeping. It's advisable to have both the vehicle registration certificate and driver's license ready, although they may not always be required. Taking a photo of the car purchase invoice and storing it on your phone is also recommended for backup. Before heading to the dealership, check the odometer mileage to ensure it's within the manufacturer's specified limit, as exceeding it might affect free service benefits. During maintenance, it's helpful to record details like the engine oil refill amount and tire pressure data, as these can be useful references for daily car use. Before leaving, make sure the maintenance record has been uploaded to the manufacturer's system.

[Genesis]

Based on my experience accompanying friends for their first car maintenance, the essential documents are the vehicle maintenance manual and the original driving license. The most important page in the manual is the first maintenance page with the anti-counterfeiting code, as the 4S dealership needs to scan and record it in the manufacturer's system. If the car is registered under a company name, it's best to bring a copy of the business license. Upon arrival, have the service advisor take an imprint of the vehicle identification number and simultaneously upload the first maintenance data. Pay special attention to the oil specification on the work order, as some hybrid models require a special type. After maintenance, remember to check if the oil filter is tightened and if the windshield washer fluid is topped up. Finally, have the dealership stamp the maintenance confirmation in the manual.