
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; vehicle registration book; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle's purchase invoice. Bring these to the designated first maintenance facility for the service. Important note: Schedule an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven. The specific timing varies by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It's essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither too early nor too late. Completing the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard loads and normal speeds as required. The timing for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup, with two criteria: mileage and time. Whichever comes first will be the standard. First maintenance tasks include: changing engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure, and examining tires for damage or bulges. Time required: 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 choice of oil must refer to the "Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models require different oil specifications. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash 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's important to note that the car's interior should not be washed directly with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or remove them to clean with a brush and detergent, then dry before replacing. The rubber mats under the driver's floor have many drainage holes. Water entering these areas won't dry naturally but may flow through the holes to corrode components like the gearbox. The best practice is to vacuum clean and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: If the car's antifreeze is low, it's recommended to drain the existing antifreeze and refill with the same brand from the beginning. Different brands of antifreeze have varying chemical properties, and their corrosion inhibitors may react negatively when mixed, leading to potential issues. Do not lubricate wheel bolts and nuts: If the bolts on a moving car rust, it's common to oil them to restore functionality. However, lubricating wheel bolts and nuts to prevent rust can pose safety risks. At high speeds, lubricated 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: EFI cars differ from conventional ones, as their fuel injection control system can automatically adjust fuel supply based on the engine's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.

I remember my first visit for the initial maintenance service was quite chaotic as I didn’t bring all the necessary items. Later, the service advisor taught me that I must bring the vehicle’s user manual, which contains the first maintenance record card—without it, the service center cannot record or validate the service. You also need to bring the car purchase invoice or vehicle registration certificate to prove you’re the legal owner and avoid missing out on free maintenance opportunities. Don’t forget your driver’s license for identity verification. It’s best to make an appointment in advance and print out the confirmation message or form. That time, I went empty-handed and ended up wasting half a day—I really regretted it. Now, I advise beginners to organize a document folder a day in advance, gather all the necessary paperwork, and drive straight to the dealership for a smooth handover. The whole process becomes much smoother, and after the first maintenance, the engine noticeably runs smoother. Such preparation can save a lot of hassle.

As someone who frequently researches cars, I believe the key to a successful first service lies in ensuring the process is accurate. It's essential to bring the user manual, which contains the manufacturer's maintenance requirements and date stamps, allowing technicians to accurately record the data. The purchase invoice or green vehicle registration certificate is a must to prove the car is within the warranty period and avoid additional charges. Remember to bring your driver's license or ID to verify ownership details. If there are any unusual noises or minor issues with the vehicle, jot them down on a note to give the advisor for targeted inspection. The entire process takes about an hour, and having all the necessary items ensures it's completed efficiently—don't make the same mistake I did by forgetting the manual and having to make an extra trip. Proper preparation makes the first service a solid foundation for your car's maintenance, ensuring smoother regular check-ups in the future.

I just went through my first car maintenance, here's a simple summary of what to bring: Bring your vehicle user manual (the thickest one), which contains the first maintenance card page; the purchase invoice; and your driver's license. Don't lose the manual, otherwise the dealership will need time to replace the documents. The first maintenance includes many free services, just bring your documents. Simply prepare these, drive to the dealership and hand them to the service staff, you can wait in the lounge area, it takes about 30 minutes to complete. After the first maintenance, the car's condition becomes more stable, new drivers don't need to be nervous, bringing these few items is enough.


