What is included in the first maintenance?
3 Answers
The first maintenance of a car mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter, followed by inspections. Finally, all visible screws and nuts under the chassis are tightened, and the exhaust pipe hangers are checked for security. Here is the relevant preparation needed before the first maintenance: 1. It is best to make an appointment with the 4S store before going for the first maintenance. Due to the increasing number of vehicles, the service workshops of 4S stores are often "packed with cars." Without an appointment, you might wait outside for half a day without getting your turn. 2. When going for maintenance, certain items must be brought along, such as the user manual and vehicle registration. 3. If you encounter any faults or questions while driving, it is advisable to record them and inform the staff during the first maintenance registration. This allows the technician to check all issues during the first maintenance. For example, if a small icon has appeared before or there was an unusual noise while driving, these issues should be reported to the staff in advance for appropriate checks.
I recently took my new car for its first maintenance service, and it was really straightforward. The key tasks were changing the engine oil and oil filter, both of which are essential because after the break-in period, the oil can contain a lot of metal debris that needs to be cleaned out promptly. The shop also checked the tire pressure to ensure there were no imbalances. Additionally, they didn’t replace the cabin air filter but blew out the dust for me. The whole process took about an hour. I went to the 4S dealership, and they even topped up the windshield washer fluid for free, which was quite thoughtful. A reminder to everyone: don’t skip the first maintenance service. New cars need extra care in the first few months. If the oil gets too dirty, it could affect the engine’s lifespan, and that’s not something you’d want to deal with.
Having worked in the auto repair shop for a long time, I've seen many new car owners ask about what to replace during the first maintenance. The absolute priority is changing the engine oil and oil filter, which keeps the engine running smoothly; next is the air filter, as new cars tend to accumulate dust during initial runs. We also routinely check the coolant level and brake pad wear to ensure safety. Overall, it's quite simple—don't overcomplicate it. Most brands offer free or low-cost first maintenance. I recommend new owners follow the manual and avoid making random modifications to prevent oil leaks or minor issues.
