What happens if a new car exceeds 3,000 kilometers without maintenance?

[NolanFitz]

Exceeding 3,000 kilometers without maintenance for a new car won't cause any major issues. Manufacturers typically recommend the first service at 5,000 kilometers. Vehicle maintenance cycle: The maintenance cycle is preset when the vehicle leaves the factory, so a "wrench" symbol will periodically appear after certain mileage to remind the driver for timely service. Generally, the maintenance interval is every 5,000-8,000 kilometers driven, with the factory setting usually exceeding 8,000 kilometers. Routine maintenance items: Engine oil maintenance: Engine oil, also called lubricant, reduces engine wear while providing cooling and lubrication. There are three types of engine oil: Full synthetic oil: Replacement recommended every 10,000-12,000 kilometers. For seldom-driven vehicles, the oil may emulsify and lose effectiveness, requiring annual replacement. Semi-synthetic oil: Replacement recommended every 8,000-10,000 kilometers. Mineral oil: Requires replacement approximately every 5,000 kilometers.

[VanConnor]

I heard a story from a friend the other day. After picking up his new car, he was so busy with business trips that he unintentionally exceeded the first service interval by nearly 4,000 kilometers. When he took it to the 4S shop, they found a lot of black sludge in the engine. The technician said prolonged high-temperature operation causes oil oxidation, which can wear out piston rings. Fortunately, there was no cylinder scoring, but he had to spend an extra 200+ yuan on cleaning the fuel system. During daily driving, he noticed significantly increased engine noise and fuel consumption about 0.5L/100km higher than others. Actually, the factory-fill oil contains special additives that lose their protective properties once deteriorated. It's recommended to set a phone reminder right after getting a new car. If you frequently encounter city traffic jams, check the oil condition at 3,000 kilometers. It's also a good idea to check tire pressure at the same time. Many 4S shops offer free first services, so don't waste this opportunity.

[StRebecca]

That day, my neighbor Lao Wang rushed over in a panic and asked me if his car would have any issues since it had just passed 3,500 kilometers without maintenance. I told him that the break-in period for a new car is the most critical. If the metal shavings generated from the meshing of new components in the gearbox aren't cleaned out in time, the gearshift jerkiness will become particularly noticeable later on. A friend's Mercedes-Benz C-Class exceeded the first service interval by 2,000 kilometers, and later had to spend 8,000 on transmission noise repairs. The primary purpose of changing the oil during the break-in period is to remove metal powder, and it's also essential to check the brake disc's break-in condition, especially for owners who frequently drive on highways—front brake pads wear out much faster. In reality, exceeding the mileage slightly won't cause the engine to fail in the short term, but the accumulated hidden damage over time will cost far more to repair than regular maintenance.