What to Do If the First Maintenance Period is Missed?
3 Answers
If the first maintenance period is missed and the first maintenance has not been performed, the warranty eligibility will be revoked, and subsequent maintenance will require payment. It is recommended that the car owner immediately go to the 4S dealership for the first maintenance. The first maintenance for a car is very simple, generally requiring only an oil change and replacement of the oil filter. The mileage for the first maintenance is usually 5,000 kilometers, and car owners must ensure they attend the first maintenance on time. Precautions for the first maintenance are as follows: 1. The first maintenance period is calculated from the date the car is picked up, i.e., from the day the car owner takes delivery of the vehicle. 2. The first maintenance period is determined by two indicators: mileage and time, whichever comes first. Exceeding either of these will affect the warranty. According to relevant regulations, missing the first maintenance date is considered an automatic forfeiture of the first maintenance rights. If the first maintenance is not performed, any future quality issues with the car will not be covered under warranty. Therefore, car owners must pay attention to the dealer's reminders and should never miss the first maintenance deadline. 3. The first maintenance period and maintenance cycles vary by vehicle. Some cars require maintenance at 2,000 kilometers, while others may go up to 8,000 kilometers. This is due to differences in the specific technical conditions of the vehicles. The engine has a break-in period, and different car makes, brands, or even models come with engines of varying designs. Some engines are made of better materials and have higher precision, resulting in relatively less wear, while others may have higher oil requirements or even special specifications. 4. Some suggest performing the first maintenance 1,000 kilometers earlier than the mileage specified in the maintenance manual. In reality, there is no need to perform the first maintenance ahead of schedule. As for regular maintenance, it also depends on the car's brand and usage conditions. Generally, maintenance is performed every 5,000 kilometers or every 3 months, especially for oil changes, as oil has a shelf life. If the car is used less frequently and is in good condition, the interval can be extended to 6 months. 5. It is better to drive at high speeds after the first maintenance. Driving at high speeds actually refers to increasing the engine's RPM. Higher engine speeds increase mechanical wear. The first batch of oil contains the most metal shavings and impurities. Using this oil for high-speed driving would significantly increase engine wear. After the first oil change, the engine has undergone some break-in, and the newly replaced oil contains fewer shavings, making it suitable for high-speed break-in.
Oh, I recently had a similar experience. After buying a new car, I was so busy with work that I completely forgot about the first maintenance. It wasn't until almost two months later that I remembered, and I panicked and immediately contacted the 4S store. The staff were quite patient and said that being a little late occasionally wasn't a big deal, but I should schedule an inspection as soon as possible, especially for changing the oil and filter, otherwise it might affect the engine's lifespan or wear out parts. They got me in line that same day, the cost was normal without any price increase, and they reminded me to set a phone alarm next time. I also learned that after the break-in period of a new car, maintenance can prevent many issues, such as checking the braking system, which is related to safe driving. Usually, paying more attention to the dashboard warning lights and developing the habit of recording mileage can help avoid forgetting next time.
As an experienced driver, let me share some practical advice. If you've missed your first maintenance, don't panic but take immediate action: First, call the dealership or service center where you bought the car to inquire about their policy, as some brands allow a grace period; Second, schedule a maintenance appointment as soon as possible to check the engine oil, brakes, and filters to prevent long-term impacts on warranty or performance; Third, if you notice unusual noises or increased fuel consumption while driving, prioritize addressing these issues; Lastly, regularly check your mileage and set reminders to avoid repeating the mistake. Simply put, modern cars are quite durable, so just make up for the missed maintenance promptly. Money-saving tip: Choose authorized service centers to avoid being overcharged.
