What is the mileage for the first car maintenance?
3 Answers
Car first maintenance is around 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance refers to the first service after the vehicle has been driven. The first maintenance items include: 1. Replacement of engine oil, oil filter, air conditioning filter, and air filter; 2. Inspection of the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Inspection of the brake and clutch fluid levels, and the power steering fluid reservoir level; 4. Inspection of the oil pipe interfaces of the system for leaks; 5. Inspection of the front and rear lights; 6. Inspection of tire pressure and wear, and tightening of screws to the specified torque. The benefits of the first car maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle is in excellent performance condition; 2. Improving vehicle efficiency and reducing the wear of parts and tires; 3. Enhancing driving safety; 4. Avoiding potential hazards caused by vehicle issues; 5. Reducing noise and environmental pollution; 6. Maintaining the vehicle's appearance and preventing damage.
I remember when I bought my first car, the first maintenance was scheduled at 7,000 kilometers. It was a Japanese car, and the manual stated that after the break-in period, the engine oil and filter needed to be checked to prevent metal debris buildup. In fact, the first maintenance mileage usually falls between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, with significant variations among brands—for example, European cars sometimes only require it at 8,000 kilometers, while Korean cars might need it as early as 5,000. Back then, I exceeded the limit by 200 kilometers and almost voided the warranty. The service technician reminded me not to skimp or delay, as aged fluids could accelerate part wear. Now, all our family cars undergo regular maintenance at the manual-recommended 6,500 kilometers to ensure smooth oil changes and system checks, followed by minor maintenance every 10,000 kilometers—this gives us peace of mind while driving. Of course, weather and road conditions also play a role; if you frequently drive long distances or face heavy city traffic, earlier maintenance is wiser.
When I first bought my car, I was super excited, but I completely forgot about the initial maintenance at 3,500 km and ended up driving until 5,500 km before visiting the dealership. The technician told me most cars require their first service around 5,000 km, but checking the manual revealed mine was actually due at 7,500 km. Turns out, this number varies by model—compact cars typically need it at 5,000-6,000 km, while luxury vehicles might stretch to 10,000 km. As a newbie, I learned not to rely solely on others' advice but to consult the manual to avoid mistakes. The initial service isn't just an oil change—it includes complimentary checks for the battery, brake pads, and ensures proper break-in. Now, I log every trip's mileage via an app with scheduled reminders to prevent missing subsequent 10,000-km services. Pro tip: Delaying the first service can impact engine performance, so early booking saves hassle.
