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, to be taken to the designated first maintenance institution for the vehicle's first maintenance. Important note: make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial maintenance after the new car has been driven, with the specific time varying by vehicle, generally after driving 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time, neither early nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the vehicle's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the car. The timing of the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance time: mileage and time. The first indicator to be met will be the standard. First maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various oil 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: approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most crucial aspect of the first maintenance for a new car is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the engine 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 wash 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 is 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 them, and then put them back. There are many holes under the rubber mats on the driver's floor. If water enters, it will not dry but flow through these holes to areas like the gearbox, 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 is recommended to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand from the beginning. Different brands of antifreeze have significantly different chemical properties and use different corrosion inhibitors. Do not mix them to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When the bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some people apply lubricating oil, which can pose a safety risk. When the car is driven at high speed, the bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions.
Going for the first maintenance of my new car, I bring simple but crucial items. First, the vehicle license is a must because the dealership needs to verify the car's information. Second, the maintenance manual is essential—it records service details, and they stamp it for records after servicing, which affects warranty rights. Don’t forget your ID card, as the staff need to confirm you’re the owner. Sometimes, bringing the car purchase invoice or receipt helps, just in case proof is needed for free maintenance. Personally, I call ahead to book an appointment to avoid wasting time in queues. I also note any car issues, like strange noises or sluggish starts, to report directly to the technician. The first maintenance usually includes oil changes and air filter checks—addressing these issues ensures smoother driving. No need to stress; new drivers should ask questions and learn. After maintenance, the car performs better, making driving more reassuring.
