What to Do If the First Car Maintenance Is Overdue?

[DeEvan]

If the first maintenance time has passed and the first maintenance has not been carried out, it is recommended that car owners go to the 4S store immediately for the first maintenance. The following is an introduction to the first car maintenance: 1. Introduction: The first car maintenance is the first mandatory maintenance after the new car leaves the factory. In China, except for imported models, the first maintenance of domestic and joint venture models is basically free, and the oil change is free of charge. 2. First maintenance items: The first maintenance is to replace the engine oil and oil filter. While replacing the engine oil and oil filter, a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle will be carried out, including all vehicle lights, the level of all vehicle fluids, whether all vehicle electrical systems are functioning normally, tire inspection and pressure adjustment, whether all chassis components are normal, whether the engine and transmission are leaking oil, and whether they are working normally. A professional diagnostic device will be used to perform a computer inspection of the entire vehicle and reset the maintenance reminder. The maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle throughout its life cycle can greatly increase the overall life of the vehicle if done on time. 3. Other items: A few vehicles may also need to replace the transmission oil and differential oil and other fluids during the first maintenance. The specific requirements should be based on the maintenance manual. Different brand models may have different requirements, but most of them require the first maintenance at 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. Some brand models may require the first maintenance at around 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers.

[DiGrant]

Last time I was in a rush after missing my car's first service deadline, so I dashed to the 4S店 to argue with the after-sales girl. She checked my maintenance manual and said I was over 15 days late, but seeing my mileage was just over 5,000 km, they made an exception and did it for free. You should quickly check how many days and kilometers you've exceeded. If it's not too much, take your manual to the 4S店 and negotiate properly. If it's way over, don't panic—just pay for the first service yourself; it's only about 500-600 RMB, which is better than losing the warranty. Remember, changing the oil and filter is most critical; other services depend on your needs—don't get scammed. For future maintenance, set a phone reminder and book an appointment two weeks early; 4S店 schedules fill up fast. Now I check my odometer every three months—it's become second nature.

[MakaylaFitz]

Forgetting the first maintenance for a new car is all too common. Once, my car was overdue by two months, and when I nervously went to the 4S dealership, I was told there would be a charge. A quick idea struck me—I called the manufacturer’s 400 hotline to explain the situation, and after the customer service intervened, the 4S dealership offered a 50% discount. First, check your maintenance manual to confirm the deadline for the first service, then call the 4S dealership where you bought the car to gauge their stance. If that doesn’t work, escalate through the manufacturer’s complaint channels. Avoid taking your car to a roadside shop for the first maintenance—if it’s not recorded in the manufacturer’s system, it’s as good as not done. For subsequent maintenance, set dual reminders every 6 months or 5,000 km; your car’s system can also be set to provide maintenance alerts. If you do end up being charged, don’t dwell on it—timely maintenance saves more money in the long run. Remember to ask the technician to reset the reminder light after each service so your dashboard will flash when it’s time.