What does the first and second maintenance mean?
2 Answers
The first and second maintenance refers to secondary maintenance or secondary servicing, which includes the following items: 1. Replace engine oil and oil filter; 2. Replace air filter; 3. Inspect spark plugs; 4. Replace fuel filter; 5. Top up brake fluid; 6. Replace transmission oil; 7. Clean throttle body; 8. Clean fuel injectors; 9. Inspect tires and braking system; 10. Replace cabin air filter; 11. Replace engine belt. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as vehicle servicing.
As a new car owner, I was completely confused when I first heard about the initial and second maintenance. Later, I asked a friend at the 4S dealership and finally understood. The initial maintenance (first service) is the mandatory first check-up after driving about 5,000 kilometers or six months after buying a new car. It’s mostly free and mainly involves checking the engine oil, replacing the oil filter, and inspecting tire wear. The second maintenance is the follow-up service, usually after 10,000 kilometers, where you’ll need to pay a bit, but the inspection is more thorough, covering things like the braking system, coolant, and lights. I think this is crucial—after the break-in period, new cars are prone to minor issues, and proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns on the road. During my first service, they found a small puncture in a tire, and fixing it saved me from a potential blowout. Always go on schedule—keeping records at the 4S shop ensures warranty coverage, or you might end up paying for repairs out of pocket. Also, maintenance intervals vary by model; hybrids may have longer intervals, while my neighbor with a gas car says he has to go every six months. Bottom line: new drivers shouldn’t procrastinate—it’s about both safety and saving money.
