What Does a Car's First Maintenance Include?
4 Answers
Car's first maintenance typically includes oil change, oil filter replacement, chassis inspection, nut tightening, tire check, and computer system diagnostics. The specific items for the first maintenance may vary slightly depending on different manufacturers and their 4S stores. The oil and filter change is particularly crucial as it helps remove debris and impurities generated by the engine operation, preventing potential damage to the cylinder walls. The first maintenance is usually recommended within 3 to 5 months after purchase or when the car has driven 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. It's advisable to keep a record of any issues or questions encountered during daily driving and inform the service staff during the first maintenance registration, allowing them to address all concerns comprehensively during the service.
The first maintenance for a new car is like a one-month checkup for a baby—it must be taken seriously. I went for mine three months after picking up the car. The core tasks are changing the engine oil and oil filter, as metal shavings can accumulate after the engine breaks in. The technician also checks tire pressure and wear—I saw them using a tread depth gauge to measure it firsthand. Brake pad thickness is measured too, and since new cars are prone to alignment issues, a four-wheel alignment is often necessary. All lights, the horn, and windshield wipers are tested, and finally, they offer a complimentary car wash and interior cleaning. Remember to bring the maintenance manual—the dealership will stamp it, and it’s essential for future warranty claims. Don’t fall for upsells on paid services; the first maintenance is covered by the manufacturer, and the cabin air filter just needs blowing out, not replacing.
I made sure to watch the entire first maintenance process for my SUV. First, the old engine oil was drained, and the golden new oil being poured in was oddly satisfying. Changing the oil filter felt like replacing a mask for the car—the old one came out all black. When inspecting the undercarriage, the technician used a flashlight to carefully check if any bolts were loose, as new cars tend to vibrate and loosen them. They also used a diagnostic scanner to read the vehicle's computer data, checking for any error codes. While measuring the coolant, they noticed it was slightly low and topped it up for free. Filling the tires with nitrogen made a fun hissing sound. The whole process took just half an hour, and they even threw in a bottle of windshield washer fluid—pretty decent service.
The first maintenance mainly consists of three major parts: the engine oil and oil filter must be changed, as new car break-in generates debris; a full vehicle safety inspection is most critical, covering brakes, tires, and lights which are vital for safety; then there's the replenishment of various fluids like brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. During my car's maintenance, the onboard computer was also reset, and the technician said it could optimize engine parameters. The air filter was removed and cleaned with a high-pressure air gun to save the cost of replacement. Remember to make an appointment in advance, as weekend queues can waste a lot of time. After maintenance, the throttle felt noticeably lighter, and the engine noise was reduced.
