What is included in the first maintenance of a new car?
4 Answers
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 if there is any uneven wear, bulging, or damage to the tires; inspecting the chassis, including: brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, CV joints, for any scratches, etc.; checking all the switches in the car; ensuring the lights are working 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; vehicle purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance institution for the vehicle's first maintenance. Note: It is advisable to make an appointment with the 4S shop in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial maintenance after the new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by car, generally after driving 1000 to 3000 kilometers. The car needs to undergo the first maintenance in a timely manner, 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 according to the standard load and normal speed required by the car. The time for the first maintenance is calculated based on the date of car pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance time: 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 oil, cleaning the three filters, namely the oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; checking whether the car's coolant level is normal; inspecting the position of the car's brake and clutch fluid levels; checking whether the power steering fluid level is normal and if there is any oil leakage at the pipe connections; the worker should check the aging and tension of the generator, air conditioner, water pump, and belts; inspecting the tire pressure and wear condition, inflating the tires, or performing tire rotation if there is wear. When changing the oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The choice of oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use and Maintenance Manual," as different car models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not rinse the interior of the car body with water: Many people clean their cars themselves during holidays, rinsing the body with water and scrubbing with a cloth. Here, it is important to remind that the interior of the car body does not need to be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, you can use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, brush them with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it will not dry but will flow through the holes to areas like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. A better approach 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 car's antifreeze 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 significantly different chemical functions. Various functional additives can corrode other functional additives. 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 usually oiled to function properly again. To prevent the bolts and nuts on the wheels from rusting, some people apply lubricant to them, but this brings necessary risks to safe driving. When the car is driven at high speed, the bolts and nuts can easily loosen or even fall off, leading to driving failures. Electronic fuel injection cars do not need to press the accelerator when starting: The starter of an electronic fuel injection 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 working conditions, allowing the starter to operate smoothly.
When I first bought my car, the initial maintenance was particularly important, mainly involving an oil change and replacing the oil filter. During the early break-in period, engine parts generate fine metal debris from friction, and changing the oil helps remove it to protect the engine. Additionally, the shop typically checks tire wear, brake pad thickness, as well as coolant and brake fluid levels to ensure all systems are functioning properly. I must remind you that the first maintenance is not a major overhaul—it focuses only on essential replacements. Just follow the owner’s manual instructions and avoid letting the dealership upsell unnecessary services like throttle body cleaning, which can add extra costs. Remember to book an appointment in advance to skip the queue. The cost is usually reasonable, and this maintenance helps make the car more durable and less prone to issues, establishing good habits for easier future regular upkeep.
I always feel like the first maintenance for a new car is like giving it a health check-up. The core tasks are changing the engine oil and that small filter. After running a few hundred kilometers, the oil is full of impurities from the break-in period, and not changing it can damage the engine internals. At the shop, the mechanic also checked the tire pressure, whether the lights were working, and even took a quick look at the battery connections to ensure they were secure. The whole process can be done in as little as half an hour if everything goes smoothly. I recommend bringing your maintenance manual to cross-check, as requirements vary by brand; don’t be tricked into unnecessary replacements like the cabin air filter. After the first maintenance, the car runs much smoother—it feels like a worthwhile investment to avoid potential breakdowns during long trips.
As an average car owner, I understand the concerns of first-time owners about the initial maintenance, which mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter. The factory-fill oil contains more impurities, and timely replacement during the first maintenance can prevent premature engine wear. The technician will also check all vehicle fluids, such as the windshield washer fluid level, and tighten chassis bolts to ensure safety. The process is straightforward—just follow the manual, and don't panic thinking it's a complex overhaul.
