What to Do If You Miss the First Car Maintenance Deadline?
3 Answers
Solutions for missing the first car maintenance deadline: You can call the 4S dealership to communicate. If you have communicated in advance or the overdue time is not too long, in most cases, the 4S dealership will still provide free first maintenance for the customer. It is recommended that car owners comply with the regulations and avoid delaying the first maintenance to prevent losses. The first maintenance items for a car include: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter, ensuring all the oil is replaced with higher-quality fully synthetic oil; 2. Checking the braking condition, replacing brake pads if necessary, and testing the braking effect; 3. Tightening bolts of various parts to ensure the overall stability of the vehicle.
I've experienced missing the first service deadline. Last year, after buying the car, I was too busy with work and completely forgot about it, causing the first service to be overdue by a week. Later, I contacted the 4S dealership, and they were quite understanding, mentioning there's usually a grace period of about half a month to a month. After explaining my situation, they performed the maintenance for free. Don't delay too long, as the engine oil tends to degrade after the break-in period of a new car, which can affect engine longevity. If you miss it by too much, there might be charges or warranty implications, but proactively reaching out can help. Set up phone reminders in the future to schedule regular maintenance and prevent malfunctions. The first step is to check the maintenance manual for the policy. Never drive recklessly without getting the first service; it can detect factory defects. If issues like oil leaks or unusual noises are left unaddressed, it could lead to significant losses.
Don't panic if you missed the first maintenance deadline. Most manufacturers understand and may accommodate. I recommend calling the dealer directly to explain the situation, such as being busy or delayed by the pandemic. They might offer a free extension or let you pay the difference to settle it. However, delaying too long is problematic because the first free maintenance includes oil and filter changes, and accumulated debris from new part wear can damage the engine. Check the manual to see how long an extension is allowed—usually within 30 days. If it's been too long, paying a few hundred yuan for the service is better than ignoring it. Don't skip it, as the first maintenance record affects future warranty claims. Developing an annual maintenance habit saves hassle and money. I always keep a small notebook to remind myself.
