What Documents to Bring for the First Car Maintenance?
3 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; vehicle registration book; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle's purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance institution 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 a new car has been driven, with the specific timing varying by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It's essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither ahead of schedule nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the vehicle. The timing for the first insurance is calculated based on the car pickup date. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. First maintenance tasks include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels for normality, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normality, and examining tires for damage or bulges. Estimated time required: Approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most crucial aspect of a new car's first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When replacing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be changed 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 rinse 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's 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 with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many holes under the rubber mats on the cabin floor. Water entering these areas won't dry but will flow through the holes to parts like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. The best practice is to clean with a vacuum 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 advised to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand from the start. Different brands of antifreeze have vastly 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 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 malfunctions. No need to press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) car differs 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 smooth starting.
When going for the first maintenance of your new car, don't forget to bring the vehicle license to prove ownership; bring the purchase invoice or contract to confirm the purchase date and verify if it's within the free service period; the maintenance manual is most important as it records details of each service—without it, you might have to pay out of pocket; also, bring your ID card for identity verification to prevent fraudulent claims. As a novice, I recommend making an appointment with the 4S shop or repair shop in advance to save time. It's best to take photos of the documents on your phone as a backup in case you forget something. The first maintenance checks small details like engine oil and filters, which can extend your car's life—missing the free service opportunity would be a big loss. Develop the habit of regular maintenance to avoid snowballing issues later, ensuring a more worry-free driving experience.
For the first maintenance, bring a few key materials: the vehicle license, maintenance manual, and purchase receipt are sufficient. Based on my experience with older cars, the manual records all service history—without it, the service shop might overcharge. The invoice confirms the free service period hasn't expired. It's also practical to list minor vehicle issues in advance and address them all at once. Keep it simple and efficient—don't procrastinate and waste time. Early maintenance means early benefits; a well-maintained car runs smoothly.
