What Needs to Be Done for the First Maintenance of a New Car?

[JosephFitz]

The first maintenance at a 4S shop includes the following aspects: changing the engine oil and oil filter, 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 whether the tires have uneven wear, bulges, or damage; inspecting the chassis, including the brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, CV joints, and any scratches; checking all the switches in the car; and ensuring the lights are functioning properly. Estimated time: Completing all tasks takes about 2 hours. Items to bring for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle purchase invoice. Take the car to the designated first maintenance facility for service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S shop in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after driving a new car, and the specific timing varies by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time—neither early nor delayed. Completing the first maintenance indicates that the car's break-in period has ended, and it can now be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the vehicle. The first maintenance period is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicators for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. The following inspections and replacements must be completed during the first maintenance of a new car: changing the engine oil and cleaning the three filters (oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter); checking whether the coolant level is normal; inspecting the car's brakes and the fluid level of the clutch; checking the power steering fluid level and whether there are any oil leaks at the pipe connections; inspecting the condition of the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and belts for aging and tension; and examining tire pressure and wear, inflating the tires if necessary, or rotating them if there is uneven wear. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The choice of engine oil must refer to the Vehicle User Maintenance Manual, as different models require different oil specifications. 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 interior should not be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or remove them, scrub with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them back. The rubber mats under the driver's floor have many drainage holes. If water enters, it will not dry naturally but will flow through the holes to areas like the gearbox, causing corrosion. The best practice is to clean with a vacuum and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: If the antifreeze level is low, it is recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and refill it with the same brand. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties, and mixing them can lead to corrosion. Each brand uses different corrosion inhibitors, so avoid mixing them to prevent unnecessary issues. Do not lubricate wheel bolts and nuts: If the bolts on a car become rusty, some people oil them to make them functional again. However, applying lubricant to wheel bolts and nuts 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 (Electronic Fuel Injection) car: The starter of an EFI 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.