What to Do If You Miss the First Car Maintenance?

[DeAniyah]

If you miss the first car maintenance, you can call and communicate with the 4S store. If there was prior communication or the delay isn't significant, the 4S store will generally still provide the first free maintenance service for the customer. However, if the 4S store refuses to offer the free first maintenance, there's little that can be done. If the car exceeds the first maintenance period or the specified mileage, the 4S store has the right to decline the free first maintenance service. First maintenance items for the vehicle: 1. Replacement: Replace engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter. 2. Inspection: Check the level of the car's coolant; inspect the fluid levels of the brake and clutch; check the oil level in the power steering fluid reservoir; examine all system oil pipe interfaces for leaks; inspect the battery fluid level and the level in the windshield washer fluid reservoir; check the tension and aging of the belts for the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and power steering pump; ensure all front and rear lights of the car are functional; inspect the tire pressure and wear condition; and verify that the car's exhaust emissions meet the standards.

[Laura]

Last time after my car passed the first maintenance, I specifically went to the repair shop to ask the mechanic. The subsequent maintenance intervals depend on the specific model, and the manual states the maintenance cycle clearly. For someone like me who drives less than 5,000 kilometers in six months, the mechanic suggested using fully synthetic oil to extend the maintenance interval to 10,000 kilometers. I usually check the color of the engine oil myself and listen for any abnormal engine sounds every time I start the car. I bought a portable tire pressure gauge, which is quite convenient for checking tire pressure. By the way, many car apps nowadays can set maintenance reminders—just bind your license plate. Once, I noticed abnormal brake noise, and it turned out to be a small stone stuck in it. Such minor issues don’t require a trip to the 4S shop; a regular auto repair shop can fix it for just a few dozen yuan.

[McHarper]

I was a bit confused right after my car's first maintenance, so I specifically looked it up. Conventional mineral oil needs to be changed every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers, while full synthetic can last a full year or 10,000 kilometers. Remember to replace the cabin air filter, especially during the season when willow catkins are flying everywhere in the north. If the windshield wipers aren't cleaning properly, don't force them—just buy replacement rubber strips online and swap them out yourself in three minutes. Nowadays, apps push maintenance coupons, and after comparing a few times, I found that while 4S shops charge more for labor, their parts are guaranteed genuine, whereas chain quick-service shops offer better value for money. Recently, I learned to replace the air filter myself—the 4S shop charged 120 for the part, but the same model sells for just 40 online.

[Melody]

It's important to manage maintenance timing after the first service. Now I use full synthetic oil and perform basic maintenance every 8,000 kilometers, always changing the oil and oil filter. The coolant is replaced every two years. Last week, I bought original coolant online and had it replaced at a repair shop, saving 300 yuan compared to the dealership. I replaced the brake pads when they were down to 3mm at a tire shop—remember to get high-temperature noise reduction shims. The tire rotation was done for free, and the mechanic checked the chassis bushings. For wiper blades, I buy silicone ones—they're quiet and durable. Next month, I plan to change the transmission fluid; tutorials say 4 liters is enough for a gravity change.