What items are needed for a car's first maintenance?
4 Answers
The 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 service. Important notes: Make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by vehicle, usually after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing the vehicle to be driven under standard loads and normal speeds as required. The timing for the first insurance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first will be the standard. First maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels for normalcy, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normalcy, and examining tires for damage or bulges. Required time: Approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most crucial aspect of a new car's first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the 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 rinse the interior of the car with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. It is important to note that the car's interior should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or remove them to brush and clean with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many drainage holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it will not dry but flow through these holes to areas like the transmission, causing corrosion. The best practice is to use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, followed by wiping 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 existing antifreeze and add the same brand from the start. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties, and their corrosion inhibitors may react negatively with each other. Mixing different brands can lead to unnecessary problems. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. Some people apply lubricant to the bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this can pose safety risks. At high speeds, the bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving hazards. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) car differs from that of a conventional car. Its fuel injection control system can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
I learned my lesson the hard way during my first car maintenance! Don't forget to bring the vehicle license which contains your car's information - the dealership needs it for registration. The maintenance manual is absolutely crucial as it contains the first-service voucher that guarantees free service. Also remember to bring the purchase invoice to verify the purchase date and warranty period. If someone else is handling it for you, bring a copy of the owner's ID and a letter of authorization. It's wise to call the dealership in advance to confirm specific requirements as they may vary by brand. My advice: organize all documents in a folder before departure to avoid frantic glovebox searches that waste time.
Last year, when I took my new car for its first maintenance, I encountered an awkward situation: I forgot to bring the key materials and was advised to return. The lesson learned is that you must prepare three essential items: the paper maintenance manual (including the first maintenance card), the vehicle's registration certificate, and the car purchase invoice. The service coupon in the manual is the ticket for free maintenance, the registration certificate confirms that the VIN matches the system records, and the purchase invoice proves whether the car was bought within six months or 5,000 kilometers. If someone else is handling it for you, a copy of the owner's ID card is also required. As a side reminder, clear out valuables from the car before heading out, as the trunk will be opened during repairs.
Don’t be careless when preparing materials before the first maintenance. First, bring the maintenance manual—many brands’ first maintenance card is bound inside, and losing it will require a self-paid reissue. The vehicle license is the second essential item, as it needs to be recorded in the system. Third, it’s advisable to bring a copy of the purchase contract or invoice, as new regulations require checking the purchase date. If you’ve recently modified the lights or audio system, inform the technician in advance to avoid disputes. Some 4S shops offer complimentary car washing services, so keeping a spare towel in the back seat is convenient. Arriving half an hour early can help avoid queues.
