What to Bring for a Car's First Maintenance?
2 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; vehicle registration certificate; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle's purchase invoice. Take these to the designated first maintenance facility for the 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 time varying by vehicle, generally after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It's essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the vehicle. The timing for the first insurance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever indicator is met first will be the basis. First maintenance items include: Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure if necessary; Check the operation of the lighting system (headlights, indicators, emergency signal lights, trunk lights, passenger compartment lights, glove box lights, dashboard warning lights, etc.); Check the operation of windshield wipers and washers/wiper blade position/wear check, visually inspect the exterior of the body, underbody protective components, pipes/hoses (exhaust fuel lines—brake lines), rubber components (dust covers, bushings, spacers, etc.); Visually inspect the condition of various control belts; Check/adjust clutch pedal height and travel; Check/adjust hand brake travel; Check and tighten chassis screws; Clean the air filter element. Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most important 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 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 with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, rinsing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. It's important to note that the interior should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out to brush with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many drainage holes under the rubber mats on the cabin floor. Water entering these areas won't dry but will flow through the holes to components like the gearbox, causing erosion and 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: When the antifreeze in the car 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. Different types of corrosion inhibitors can corrode each other. Different brands of antifreeze use different corrosion inhibitors, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function again. Some people apply lubricant to bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this poses a safety risk. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can loosen or even fall off, leading to driving issues. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI car differs from that of a regular car. Its fuel injection control device can automatically adjust fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring smooth starting.
As a new car owner, I was quite nervous during my first maintenance visit and almost made a wasted trip because I forgot to bring the owner's manual. Now I know it's essential to bring the owner's manual since it contains the maintenance logbook, which the technician needs to follow. The car keys are a must—how else can you start the car? The vehicle registration certificate or purchase invoice should also be prepared, as some shops verify ownership, especially when the first maintenance is free and requires proof. It's best to save the appointment details on your phone or print them out in advance to avoid long queues. If the first maintenance isn't free, bring some cash or a credit card to avoid last-minute hassles. Of course, the car itself must be driven there—don’t leave it elsewhere. I recommend checking everything before leaving and packing these items in a bag to avoid the panic I experienced initially. Oh, and remember to note any changes in your car’s condition and take the opportunity during the first maintenance to ask the technician about oil and filter replacements—it’s super helpful for protecting the engine.
