What Should You Pay Attention to During the First Car Maintenance?

[McAdam]

Things to pay attention to during the first car maintenance include: 1. Maintenance schedule; 2. Required first maintenance items; 3. Engine oil for the first maintenance; 4. Call to schedule the first maintenance appointment; 5. Pre-check existing issues before the first maintenance; 6. Observe changes in the car after the first maintenance. Typically, the first car maintenance should be done within 3 to 5 months, or when the mileage reaches 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, with some cars extending up to 8,000 kilometers. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.

[LaneDella]

Never overlook the first maintenance of a new car—as someone who's driven for over a decade, I’ve learned this the hard way. The first service is typically done after a few thousand kilometers, but always check the manual for exact recommendations. My advice? Start by inspecting the car’s condition: listen for unusual engine noises before starting, and check if the tire pressure is optimal to avoid complications during maintenance. At the shop, the key tasks are changing the engine oil and oil filter—they remove metal debris from the break-in period, ensuring smooth engine operation. Don’t forget to ask the technician to check coolant and brake fluid levels; leaks can lead to engine damage. Also, address any brake squealing or vibrations early for safety. After maintenance, take a test drive to confirm everything works properly, then have them log it on the service card. This routine may seem simple but is lifesaving—delaying it could ruin your car, void the warranty, and double repair costs. Keeping detailed records also adds value when buying or selling a car.

[JacksonAnn]

The first maintenance should be practical, and my principle is to pay attention to both time and content. The manual suggests doing it every 5,000 kilometers or so—don't miss it to avoid voiding the warranty. Core tasks include changing the engine oil to protect the internals, along with the oil filter to prevent clogging. I also ask the technician to check tire wear and pressure—misalignment increases fuel consumption. For fluids, insufficient brake fluid affects braking, and low coolant leads to overheating, so ensure they're topped up. Don’t ignore driving issues like idle shaking or unusual noises—bring them up for immediate repair. When choosing a shop, don’t just go for the cheapest; compare prices and service quality at authorized dealerships. The first maintenance is often free or discounted. Afterward, get a detailed report to attach to the manual for easy follow-up on future services—saving money and hassle is key.

[MacColeman]

Just a few key points to note for your new car's first maintenance. Follow the manual's recommended mileage and don't delay, usually within 5,000 km. Mainly involves changing engine oil and filters to remove engine contaminants. Also check tire pressure accuracy and fluid levels like coolant. Report any unusual driving symptoms immediately. Test drive after maintenance to ensure normal operation. Remember to keep receipts for warranty purposes.