What to Bring for Free First Maintenance?
3 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle registration certificate; vehicle's driving license; vehicle 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 the new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by vehicle, generally after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. The car must undergo the first maintenance in a timely manner, neither ahead of schedule nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks 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 of the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first will be the standard. First maintenance items include: oil change, oil filter replacement, air filter cleaning, checking various fluid levels for normalcy, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normalcy, and inspecting tires for damage or bulging, etc. Required time: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most crucial aspect of a new car's first maintenance is the oil and oil filter change. When changing the oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The selection of 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 themselves during holidays, using water to rinse the body and wiping it with a cloth. Here, 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, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, scrub with a brush and detergent, dry them, and then put them 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 by air but will flow through these holes to areas like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. The better approach 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 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 greatly. Different types of corrosion inhibitors can corrode others. Different brands of antifreeze use different corrosion inhibitors. Do not mix them to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some apply lubricant, but this introduces unnecessary risks to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can easily loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. 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 the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
When I bought a new car back then, I remembered to bring several items for the first free maintenance service: the purchase invoice or contract to prove ownership; the vehicle license showing basic car information; the maintenance manual with blank pages for the dealership's stamp records; a photocopy of my ID card just in case identity verification is needed; and the appointment confirmation SMS or email to avoid queuing. Also, don't forget the car key as staff need it to open and inspect the engine. I recommend calling the dealership in advance to confirm specific requirements – like when I forgot the manual on my first visit and had to make an extra trip, which was quite time-consuming. Keeping these documents neatly organized in a folder makes it convenient to present them at the dealership, ensuring a smoother and more efficient maintenance process.
As a car maintenance newbie, I was particularly worried about forgetting things when going for my free first service. The basic requirements are purchase documents like the invoice or contract to prove the car is mine; the vehicle license must be brought to record the license plate number; don't lose the maintenance manual, as it's used to track service history; it's also advisable to have your ID card ready for identity verification. If you've made an appointment, remember to bring the appointment number. The whole process is simple but crucial. Prepare a small bag with all these items the day before, and when you arrive at the 4S shop, you won't be in a hurry—they'll help you quickly complete the first service.
