What to Bring for the First Car Maintenance?
2 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle registration book; vehicle purchase invoice. Take these to the designated first maintenance facility for the vehicle's initial service. 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. The specific time varies by vehicle, typically after driving 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. It's essential to attend the first maintenance on time, neither early nor late. 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 for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. The first indicator met will be the standard. First maintenance items 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. Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. 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. The choice of oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use 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, rinsing the body with water 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 to brush with detergent, dry, and then put them back. There are many vent holes under the rubber mats on the driver's floor. If water enters, it won't dry but will flow through the vent 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 significantly. Different brands 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 again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some apply lubricating oil, which introduces unnecessary risks to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can become loose or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions.
When I went for my car's first maintenance, the items I brought were simple but crucial: the owner's manual is a must because the first service coupon is usually tucked inside, allowing you to enjoy free service; the vehicle registration certificate proves the car is mine; and don’t forget your ID card to verify your identity when making an appointment, so you don’t waste a trip. I found that if you don’t prepare in advance, you might end up wasting time standing in line for hours. I also recommend recording any vehicle issues in your phone’s notes, such as engine noise or soft brakes, to help the technician address them quickly. It’s best to call ahead and confirm any additional requirements from the dealership, like whether you need a spare key or the purchase invoice, to ensure a smooth process and get the maintenance done in one go.
