What to Do If the First Car Maintenance Period Has Expired?
4 Answers
If the car has passed the first maintenance period, but the driving time and mileage are not very long, both within the time and mileage allowed by the 4S store, you can still go to the 4S store for the first maintenance outside the deadline and get free car maintenance. Here is some extended information: First Maintenance Content: The first maintenance generally requires changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air conditioning filter and air filter, and various inspections. It is a minor maintenance, involving not many items. First Maintenance Notes: The first maintenance time of the car is calculated based on the date of picking up the car. There are two indicators for the first maintenance time: mileage and time. Whichever comes first, maintenance is required. Exceeding either will affect the warranty.
Don't worry too much. I've been repairing cars for over a decade and often see owners forget their first maintenance. The first service is generally recommended within 5,000 kilometers or six months after purchasing the car, mainly to clean metal debris from the engine break-in period and prevent future accelerated wear. Missing the deadline might affect the warranty, so first check the warranty manual or contact the dealer to explain the situation—they sometimes understand and offer it for free. Schedule an appointment immediately to check basic items like engine oil and filters. Use some personal rapport, emphasize that you didn't intentionally delay, and you might save a few hundred dollars. Remember, the sooner you go, the sooner you'll have peace of mind. Otherwise, carbon buildup worsens, and prolonged delays increase the risk of engine failure.
Once I got too excited driving my new car and completely forgot about the first maintenance. When I remembered, it was already two months overdue. My advice is to call the 4S store immediately, explain the situation sincerely. They might accommodate you with a free service as a goodwill gesture for new customers; otherwise, just pay a few hundred yuan for a basic check-up. Don't slack during maintenance - changing engine oil and filter is crucial, as failing to remove break-in debris can cause trouble. Afterwards, I set phone reminders to avoid repeating this mistake. The car is your own asset - spending a little now is wiser than major repairs later.
Experience tells me not to delay after the first service expires—take it to a professional shop immediately. Focus on checking the oil aging condition—if unchanged for too long, wear parts can get damaged, affecting lifespan. When booking, honestly ask if a free service can be arranged; if not, pay a reasonable fee for maintenance. Also, review the warranty terms to ensure coverage remains. In short, act early to protect your car and don’t miss the next service cycle.
