
Vehicle first maintenance includes oil change, oil filter replacement, chassis inspection, nut tightening, tire inspection, computer system inspection, etc. The first car maintenance refers to the initial maintenance service for a vehicle, typically performed after the new car has driven 3,000 kilometers. Car maintenance, also known as vehicle servicing, involves regular preventive work such as inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain components related to the vehicle. It mainly covers the maintenance of engine systems, transmission systems, air conditioning systems, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, and extend the service life.

When I bought my first car, I was also very curious about the first maintenance. I checked the manual and even asked an experienced mechanic. The first maintenance is essentially the first comprehensive check-up for a new car. The engine oil and oil filter must be replaced, as they are responsible for filtering out the metal debris generated during the engine break-in period. The dealership will use genuine oil, so don’t skimp on this. The mechanic will also tighten the chassis bolts, as they tend to loosen after the car has been driven for a while, especially in the suspension system. The tires will be rotated, and their pressure and wear will be checked. Basic items like lights, brake pads, and the battery will all be inspected. The most easily overlooked part is the computer diagnostics, which checks the vehicle’s onboard computer for any fault codes. Don’t just focus on the free services during the first maintenance; make sure the mechanic checks for any unusual noises or vibrations. If there are any issues with the new car, it’s best to identify and resolve them early.

As a frequent construction site driver who has handled five vehicles' first maintenance, I've found it boils down to three key areas: fluids, fasteners, and diagnostics. Oil and filter changes are non-negotiable basics, with some brands offering complimentary upgrades to full synthetic oil. Chassis bolt re-torquing is mandatory, especially for off-road warriors. Software updates are becoming increasingly crucial - my pickup's transmission reprogramming during its first service completely eliminated shift shock. Always scrutinize your service checklist; some shops push unnecessary engine flushes for new vehicles. Post-maintenance test drives are essential - I once caught over-tightened brake lines causing squeaks, demanding immediate readjustment.

Just took my new car for its first service last month and discovered quite a few tricks. Free services usually include: changing engine oil and filter as basic operations, cleaning but not replacing the air conditioning filter, and tire rotation depending on actual wear. The value-added services are where the pitfalls lie, such as recommending fuel additives, which are actually unnecessary for first-service vehicles. Pay special attention to three areas: whether the oil pan drain bolt gasket was replaced, whether the oil filter was installed with a torque wrench, and whether the air filter box clips were properly reset. I've seen cases where apprentices forgot to fasten the clips, leading to air intake leaks. After maintenance, remember to request an inspection report, especially the brake fluid moisture content data.

With a decade of car repair experience and having serviced over a thousand first-maintenance vehicles, the most crucial aspect is actually data archiving. For the first maintenance at a 4S shop, 34 comprehensive inspections are mandatory. Engine oil is drained to examine the amount of metal debris, which is a core indicator of engine break-in. Many overlook the antifreeze freezing point test, as new cars might have been transported or stored for over six months. The initial transmission fluid must be replaced as it contains break-in additives. For electronic systems, special attention should be paid to the sleep current of the power supply module—I've encountered cases where a new car's dash cam caused battery drain due to leakage. It's advisable for owners to proactively request an inspection of the sunroof drainage pipes during the first maintenance, as improper assembly in new cars can lead to leaks, requiring the headliner to be removed for repairs.


