What to Do If a New Car Doesn't Have a Maintenance Manual?
3 Answers
If a new car doesn't come with a maintenance manual, you can request a replacement at the 4S dealership where you purchased the vehicle. Additional information: The functions of a car maintenance manual are as follows: 1. Introduction to precautions and maintenance methods: After purchasing a new car, the maintenance manual provides detailed instructions on precautions and maintenance methods. It should be read carefully and followed to ensure the vehicle remains in good condition. 2. Two main aspects of vehicle maintenance: Vehicle maintenance primarily consists of two aspects—mandatory maintenance provided by service centers and routine maintenance performed by the owner. Proper maintenance is crucial for the vehicle's lifespan and the driver's safety. 3. Maintenance benefits vehicle health: Neglecting maintenance or improper usage can lead to vehicle malfunctions and safety hazards. Therefore, in addition to scheduled mandatory maintenance at service centers, daily maintenance should also be performed to keep the vehicle in optimal condition.
I've handled the issue of missing maintenance manuals for new cars several times. The quickest solution is to directly contact the sales consultant who sold you the car. Last month, I helped a friend inquire about this, and dealership warehouses usually keep several spare manuals in stock. If the salesperson has left, it's no problem—just head straight to the 4S store's after-sales department with your purchase invoice, and they can reprint one for you. Nowadays, automakers are all connected online. Last time I requested a replacement, they retrieved the electronic records using the VIN in five minutes and printed out the maintenance schedule for me on the spot. But remember to check if the first maintenance card is still there—that small sticker on the windshield is particularly easy to lose. If you're far from a 4S store, call the manufacturer's 400 hotline and provide the VIN. They can mail you a paper copy or send an electronic version to your email, which is much more convenient than making a trip to the dealership.
Don't panic if you can't find the maintenance manual. I had the same issue when I picked up my car. Here's a simple process: First, check the glove compartment to see if it's tucked inside the owner's manual—that's where I found mine last time. If you really can't find it, just message your salesperson on WeChat. Nowadays, they use electronic work order systems, and they can simply scan a QR code to regenerate a maintenance logbook. If you're in a hurry for the first service, bringing your vehicle license is actually enough since the purchase records are all in the system. However, I recommend asking the service center to attach the maintenance records to a new manual, as this makes a stronger case when selling the car later. By the way, many brands now offer downloadable electronic maintenance manuals in their apps—for example, BMW's MyBMW has complete documentation.
