What to Bring for a Car's First Maintenance?
3 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's registration certificate; vehicle's purchase invoice, to be taken to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's initial service. Important note: Make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven, with the specific timing varying by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It's crucial to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither too early nor too late. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing the vehicle to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required. The timing for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance timing: mileage and time. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. First maintenance tasks 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 simultaneously. The selection 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's important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, they can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or removed, scrubbed with a brush and detergent, dried, and then placed back. There are many drainage holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it won't dry naturally 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 car's antifreeze is low, it's recommended to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand from the start. Since antifreeze brands differ, their chemical properties vary significantly. Various functional additives can corrode those from other brands. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary issues. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. Some people apply lubricant to the bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this introduces unnecessary risks to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can easily loosen or even fall out, leading to driving failures. 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.
When I took my new car for its first maintenance last time, I realized there were quite a few things to bring. Remember to bring the maintenance manual given at the time of purchase, as it contains the first service card. You'll also need to carry your vehicle license and driver's license, as the 4S shop needs to register the information. If you've modified any parts, it's best to restore them first—my friend had to remove the added spoiler to qualify for free maintenance. No need to wash the car specially, as the technician will inspect the chassis and engine compartment. Booking an appointment via the APP in advance can save you an hour of queuing time. Lastly, remind the technician to upgrade the car's infotainment system while they're at it—don't overlook these small details.
The most crucial things for the first maintenance are just three: the vehicle itself, the maintenance manual, and the driver's license documents. I foolishly drove there alone last time, only to realize I forgot the first maintenance voucher and had to rush back home to get it. It's advisable to call ahead and confirm whether an appointment is needed, as peak hours might involve long queues. It's best to secure any valuables in the car; although the repair shop has comprehensive surveillance, it's always better to be safe. During maintenance, the technician will also check the tire pressure and fluid levels. If any issues are found, just communicate promptly—after all, the first maintenance is free, so don't hesitate to replace anything necessary.
