What is the best time for new car maintenance?
3 Answers
New car maintenance is best performed at around 6 months or 5,000 kilometers. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Car maintenance includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, and power steering system. Car maintenance includes: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, gasoline filter, and air filter; 2. Checking whether the level of the car's coolant meets the specified requirements; 3. Checking the level of the brake and clutch fluid; 4. Checking whether the oil level in the power steering fluid reservoir meets the specified requirements and whether there are any oil leaks at the interfaces of the system's oil pipes; 5. Checking the battery fluid level and the level of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
I remember being so excited when I first bought my new car, but I always struggled with the maintenance schedule. The 4S dealership told me that the first service is usually due at 5,000 to 6,000 kilometers or within 6 months, whichever comes first. I followed the manual and went for an oil and filter change right at 5,000 km. The reason? New cars generate metal shavings and carbon deposits during the break-in period, and timely maintenance helps protect the engine. Driving habits also play a role: I drive daily in city traffic with frequent congestion, which puts more strain on the car, so it needs more frequent maintenance. If you drive mostly on highways, you can stretch the intervals a bit. Delaying too long can lead to fluid degradation, damaging parts and even voiding the warranty. After the first service, they found my tire pressure was off—good thing it was caught early. Now my car has over 20,000 km and still runs like new. My advice? Follow the manual and adjust based on actual usage—don’t stubbornly wait until 10,000 km.
From a cost-saving perspective, don't delay new car maintenance. I've calculated the costs: keep the first service within 5,000-7,500 km to spend small money protecting major components. For example, when engine oil degrades and its viscosity decreases, engine wear accelerates, leading to higher repair costs. Road conditions matter: I often drive on muddy, dusty roads, so I need to clean the filtration system at 5,000 km. If you only drive on highways, 8,000-10,000 km is acceptable. Delaying until 15,000 km increases fuel consumption, wasting money. The key is driving frequency—how many trips per week. For city driving, maintenance every 6 months is recommended. Addressing minor issues on time avoids major repair expenses, which is especially helpful for beginners.
