What items are generally included in the first maintenance?
2 Answers
The first maintenance at a 4S shop includes the following aspects: changing the engine oil, oil filter, and 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 switches in the vehicle; ensuring that the lights are working properly. Estimated time: completing all tasks takes about 2 hours. Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's registration certificate; vehicle's purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's first maintenance. Note: 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 vehicle, generally after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. The car needs to attend the first maintenance promptly, 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 vehicle. The time for the first maintenance is calculated based on the date of vehicle 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 engine oil, cleaning the three filters, namely the oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; checking whether the car's coolant level is in a normal state; inspecting the car's brake and clutch fluid levels; checking whether the power steering fluid level is normal and if there are any oil leaks at the pipe connections; the worker should check the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and the aging and tension of the belts; inspecting the tire pressure and wear condition, inflating the tires, or performing tire rotation if there is wear. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car with water: Many people clean their cars themselves during holidays, washing the body with water and scrubbing with a cloth. Here, it is important to remind that the interior of the car does not need to be washed directly with water. If the floor mats are dirty, you can use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, scrub them with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many vent holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it will not dry out but will flow through the vent holes to areas like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. A better approach is to clean with a vacuum cleaner and then scrub 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. Since antifreeze brands differ, their chemical properties also vary greatly. Various types of corrosion inhibitors can corrode others. Different brands of antifreeze use different corrosion inhibitors. Do not mix them to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When the bolts on a moving car rust, they are often 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. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI 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 operating conditions, allowing the starter to start smoothly.
I just bought a new car not long ago, and remember that the first maintenance was done at 5,000 kilometers. The main items included changing the engine oil and oil filter, because a lot of metal shavings accumulate after the new engine runs, and not replacing them in time will affect its lifespan. They also checked the tire pressure and wear condition, adjusting them to standard values; the brake system was inspected too, including the thickness of the brake pads and the level of brake fluid; all headlights and taillights were tested; the chassis was checked for foreign objects or rust; and the coolant level and antifreeze were also measured. I learned that it's best to schedule the first maintenance appointment during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, and not to waste the free maintenance period, otherwise the warranty may become void. The whole process took about an hour, and after it was done, the car drove much smoother. Identifying problems early can save money and ensure safety.
