What to Bring for Volkswagen's First Maintenance?
2 Answers
Items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's registration certificate; 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 store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after the new car has been driven, with the specific timing varying by vehicle, typically after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. It is crucial to attend the first maintenance on time, neither early nor late. The completion of the first maintenance signifies the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven at standard loads and normal speeds 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. Whichever comes first serves as the standard. First maintenance items include: checking tire condition/wear and adjusting pressure if necessary; inspecting the operation of the lighting system (headlights, indicators, emergency signal lights, trunk lights, passenger compartment lights, glove box lights, dashboard warning lights, etc.); checking the operation of windshield wipers and washers/wiper blade position/wear; visually inspecting the exterior of the body, underbody protective components, pipes/hoses (exhaust, fuel lines, brake lines); condition of rubber components (dust covers, bushings, spacers, etc.); visually inspecting the condition of various control belts; checking/adjusting clutch pedal height and travel; checking/adjusting hand brake travel; checking and tightening chassis screws; cleaning the air filter element. Time required: Completing all tasks takes approximately 2 hours. The most important 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 simultaneously. The selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car with water: Many people clean their cars themselves during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. Here, it is important to note that the interior of the car should not be washed directly with water. If the floor mats are dirty, they can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or taken out, scrubbed with a brush and detergent, dried, and then put back. There are many holes under the rubber mats on the cabin floor. If water enters, it will not dry naturally but will flow through the 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 antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand of antifreeze from the beginning. Since different brands of antifreeze have significantly different chemical properties, mixing them can cause corrosion between different types of antifreeze. 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 the bolts on a car become rusty during driving, they are often oiled to function properly again. To prevent rust on the wheel bolts and nuts, some people apply lubricant to them, but this poses a safety risk. When the car is driven at high speeds, the 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 is different 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.
Volkswagen's first maintenance requires quite a few items. As someone who frequently maintains cars, I usually bring the vehicle manual first, which contains the special voucher code for the first maintenance, otherwise the technicians at the service center might not acknowledge it. Also, don't forget the owner's ID card or driver's license for identity verification. Remember to bring the car key, and note down the mileage and fuel level when driving there. I've encountered situations before where someone forgot their appointment slip and ended up waiting in line for two hours in vain. It's advisable to make an appointment in advance through the official app and upload the vehicle information. During maintenance, you can also ask the technician to check the tire pressure and air filter, as it's free anyway. The first maintenance is crucial as it ensures the quality of subsequent services, so don't take it lightly.
