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