What to Bring for the First Maintenance?
4 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; vehicle registration book; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; 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 shop 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 is essential to attend the first maintenance promptly, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance signifies 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 for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever condition is met first will be the standard. The first maintenance items include: oil change, oil filter replacement, 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 crucial part of the first maintenance for a new car is changing the oil and oil filter. When changing the oil, the oil filter must also be replaced simultaneously. The choice 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 wash the body and wiping it with a cloth. Here, it is important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly rinsed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, they can be vacuumed or taken out, 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 will not dry but flow through the holes to areas like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. The better approach is to use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, followed by wiping with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand from the beginning. 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 properly again. To prevent rust on wheel bolts and nuts, some people apply lubricant, which can pose a safety risk. At high speeds, bolts and nuts can loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. 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 smooth starting.
Oh, when I go for the first maintenance, I usually bring three things: the vehicle, the driving license, and the maintenance manual. The vehicle must be driven there, otherwise how can the 4S store provide service? The driving license proves the owner's identity to prevent being mistaken for a car thief. The maintenance manual is very important, as it records the detailed plan for the first maintenance, and the store will stamp it for confirmation. If it's lost, it's a big hassle and you'll have to spend time getting a replacement. It's best to print the appointment slip or show it on a mobile app to avoid long queues. Also, bring your ID card, as some places require it for more rigorous information verification. Additionally, the new car invoice might be needed to prove the purchase date and eligibility for free first maintenance. I recommend making an appointment two weeks in advance and checking the manual for any special requirements to avoid finding out you're missing something when you get there. The first maintenance is a critical period to check the engine's running-in condition and extend the car's lifespan, so don't delay it too long. Bringing all these items will make the maintenance process much smoother.
As someone who frequently hangs out in car enthusiast groups, I have some insights on preparing for the first maintenance. Driving the car there is the most basic requirement, and the vehicle license must be brought along to prove you're the legal owner—otherwise, the 4S store might refuse service. Don’t forget the maintenance manual, as it contains warranty terms and schedules. The shop needs to input the records into the system for updates. Without the manual, you might face additional charges or even affect future warranty claims. Keep your appointment details handy; if booked online, save a screenshot on your phone. I also make it a habit to bring a spare car key in case of loss, but other items aren’t really necessary. The first maintenance is usually free, with oil and filter changes being the main focus to ensure stable post-break-in performance. Timely maintenance is crucial for engine health, and checking the manual in advance can save a lot of hassle. Just bring these essentials, and you're good to go.
As a young person who just bought a new car, here are some practical tips to share. For the first maintenance, just bring the car key, vehicle license, and maintenance manual—no need to overcomplicate things. Don’t lose the manual, as the 4S store needs to stamp it for records, and the vehicle license proves the car is yours. It’s recommended to confirm the appointment via the mobile app to avoid wasting time waiting for a spot. Other items are basically unnecessary—save money and hassle. The first maintenance for a new car is free, so just go on time and get it done. The key is to set a mobile reminder for the appointment in advance. Proper maintenance will keep your car running smoothly.
