What Needs to Be Done for the First Car Maintenance?

[MariaRose]

Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; vehicle purchase invoice. Take these to the designated first maintenance service provider 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. The specific time varies by vehicle, generally after driving 3,000~5,000 kilometers or about half a year. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance indicates that the car's break-in period has ended, and the vehicle can now be driven according to standard load and normal speed requirements. 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 is 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. Estimated time required: Approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most critical 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 choice 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. It is important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out to brush and wash 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 will flow through these holes to areas like the transmission, causing erosion and corrosion. The best practice is to clean with a vacuum cleaner and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and add the same brand from the start. Different brands of antifreeze have vastly different chemical properties. The corrosion inhibitors in various antifreeze brands can corrode each other. Since different brands use different corrosion inhibitors, 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 again. Some people apply lubricant to wheel bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this poses a risk to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can easily loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. 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 device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.

[WalterAnn]

I just had the first service for my new car, and the whole process was simple yet crucial. The top priority was changing the engine oil and oil filter, as metal particles from the engine break-in period might be present in the oil. Not replacing it in time could damage the engine. The technician also checked the tire pressure and tread wear to ensure even force distribution; inspected the brake pad thickness to prevent excessive wear; tested the lighting system, such as whether the headlights and turn signals were functioning; and cleaned the air filter to avoid dust clogging that could affect air intake. Additionally, modern cars come with onboard computer systems, so the technician plugged in a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes and sometimes updated the software to enhance performance. After the first service, the car felt smoother to drive, with reduced noise and more stable fuel consumption. I learned that sticking to scheduled maintenance can save a lot of money by avoiding major repairs down the road. Remember to check the service manual’s checklist to ensure no items are missed. Everyone should do it—the first service is usually free or inexpensive.

[VonAlina]

In the workshop, we frequently handle first-time maintenance vehicles, which is not just a routine task but also the starting point to ensure the health of a new car. We focus on three key aspects: oil change (engine oil and filter), inspection of core systems such as brakes, suspension, and coolant levels, and software diagnostics. The oil change is fundamental because the engine internals of a new car have just undergone break-in, making it prone to impurities clogging the filter or oil passages. The inspection includes listening for unusual noises, testing battery voltage, checking belt tension, and ensuring smooth operation. Software updates can optimize fuel consumption and emission settings. I've seen many car owners neglect their first maintenance, leading to transmission issues or high fuel consumption. It's advisable to do it early as it catches minor problems before they escalate. Keep a record of each maintenance date for future reference. The cost is low, but the benefits are significant, especially in keeping the new car's warranty valid.

[DelKennedy]

As a new car owner, my first impression of the initial maintenance was that it was straightforward and easy to understand. It mainly involved changing the engine oil and filter, along with inspecting key components: such as tires, brakes, and the lighting system. The technician took the time to explain why it's important—after a new car runs for a thousand kilometers, parts may loosen due to wear-in, and the initial maintenance helps secure potential issues; checking coolant and wiper fluid levels prevents overheating or fluid shortages. I also learned to check tire pressure monthly, developing a good habit. The cost isn't high, usually covered by the manufacturer or done at a low price. After the service, the car becomes more reliable, avoiding breakdown troubles on the road. I advise new owners not to delay and to stick to scheduled maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Simply put, the initial maintenance is a great opportunity to adapt to a new car.