What Does the First Maintenance Include?

[Amanda]

The first maintenance at a 4S shop includes the following aspects: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter; checking whether the levels of various fluids are normal, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for any damage; checking whether the tire pressure is normal and whether there is uneven wear, bulging, or damage to the tires; inspecting the chassis, including the brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, CV joints, and any scratches; checking all switches in the vehicle; and ensuring the lights are functioning properly. Estimated time: Completing all tasks takes about 2 hours. Items needed for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle purchase invoice. Take these to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle. 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. The specific time varies by vehicle, generally after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. The car must undergo the first maintenance promptly, 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 load and normal speed as required by the vehicle. The first maintenance time is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first is the standard. The following inspections and replacements must be completed during the first maintenance of a new car: changing the engine oil, cleaning the three filters (oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter); checking whether the coolant level is normal; inspecting the vehicle's brakes and the fluid level of the clutch; checking the power steering fluid level and whether there are any leaks at the oil pipe connections; inspecting the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and belts for aging and tension; checking tire pressure and wear condition, inflating the tires, or performing tire rotation if there is wear. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The choice of oil must refer to the Vehicle User 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, rinsing the body with water and scrubbing with a cloth. Here, it is important to note that the interior of the car body 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 but will flow through the holes to areas 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 antifreeze and add the same brand of antifreeze from the beginning. Because different brands of antifreeze have vastly different chemical properties, the various functional additives in one brand may corrode those in another. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When the bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent the bolts and nuts on the wheels from rusting, some people apply lubricant to them, but this can pose a safety risk. When the car is driven at high speed, the bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving failures. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI car is different 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.

[LolaLee]

I remember when I first got my new car, the initial maintenance items mainly included changing the engine oil and oil filter, which helps keep the engine clean and prevents carbon buildup; they also checked the tire pressure and wear to ensure smooth and safe driving. As for fluid levels, such as brake fluid and coolant, they were topped up to the standard levels. The dealership staff usually also checked the brake system and lights as a routine, and once they even gave the interior a complimentary cleaning, which felt quite thoughtful. It's advisable to bring the manual when making an appointment to save time. After the initial maintenance, the car drives more smoothly and helps extend its lifespan. In any case, don’t delay—missing the warranty period would be a big loss.

[Iris]

As a new driver, I recently had my first maintenance service and learned a lot. The basic items include changing the engine oil and oil filter to protect the engine; checking the tires for any flat spots or damage; they also inspect the brake pads to ensure sufficient thickness and top up fluids if levels are low; the lights are tested to make sure they work. The whole process isn't complicated and usually takes about half an hour. I'd remind everyone to ask about the price in advance—some shops offer it for free, which can save you some money. After the service, the engine noise reduced, making the drive more reassuring. Don't forget, every car's manual has detailed guidelines, and the first maintenance is crucial.

[Lloyd]

First maintenance focuses on safety: Must change engine oil and filter to ensure lubrication; Thoroughly check tire condition to prevent blowouts; Carefully test braking system to ensure timely stops; Fluid levels like coolant must be kept adequate. These directly impact driving safety—neglect can easily cause accidents. Recommend choosing authorized shops, don't skip inspections to save money. Early new car maintenance can save major repair costs. Also don't overlook lights and chassis.