What Materials Are Needed for a Car's First Maintenance?
2 Answers
Items required 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 facility for the vehicle's initial service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S shop in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by vehicle, generally around 5,000 kilometers or six months. It is essential 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 at standard loads and normal speeds as required by the vehicle. The timing for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as 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, etc. Required time: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. 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 simultaneously, and the selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not rinse the interior of the car body with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. Here, it's important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out to brush 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 won't dry but will flow through these holes to areas like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. The better approach is to clean with a vacuum 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's advisable to drain the existing antifreeze and add the same brand from the start. Since antifreeze brands differ, their chemical properties vary significantly. Various functional additives can corrode others. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate wheel bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some apply lubricant, but this poses a safety risk. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can loosen or even fall out, leading to driving malfunctions. No need to press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI car differs from that of a conventional car. Its fuel injection control device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and working conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
When I took my new car for its first maintenance, I learned about the essential documents checklist. The car owner's manual is crucial because it contains the maintenance record section for the repair shop to stamp and confirm. The purchase invoice or proof of ownership must be brought along to verify car ownership and avoid any misunderstanding that the car might be stolen. The vehicle registration certificate must also be carried in the car as it shows official registration information for inspection purposes. A personal ID is indispensable for the shop to verify identity, ensuring services are provided only to the actual owner. When making an appointment with the 4S store in advance, it's wise to ask if a driving license or warranty card is needed to prevent any omissions. Not bringing all the required documents can lead to trouble, ranging from a wasted trip to being unable to enjoy the free first maintenance and having to pay for repairs out of pocket. That time, I almost forgot the invoice and had to rush home to get it, wasting time and affecting my overall schedule. After maintenance, the car runs quieter and more fuel-efficient. I recommend that beginners organize their documents the night before and keep them in a dedicated folder to develop good habits. Regular maintenance extends the car's lifespan and reduces future major repair costs, killing multiple birds with one stone.
