
Before the first maintenance, it is important to fully understand whether your car has any other faults or issues and take note of them. When registering for the first maintenance, inform the 4S shop about these items that need to be checked. Here are the specific precautions to take during the first car maintenance: 1. Before maintenance: Read the user manual to understand the general content of this maintenance and any items that require additional payment. A few days before the maintenance, call the 4S shop to schedule an appointment. Organize the items in the car; it's best to keep valuable small items at home or carry them with you, such as mobile phones, laptops, Bluetooth headphones, etc., to prevent loss. 2. During maintenance: Prepare the user manual (must bring), driver's license, digital camera or a phone with a camera (it's best to bring one, it will be useful). For the first maintenance, it's advisable to bring along an experienced driver or at least a relative or friend to help take care of things. 3. When registering for maintenance: After the car enters the maintenance workshop, it's best to follow along personally. This allows you to observe the entire maintenance process, especially to supervise the materials used by the maintenance workers and their work attitude. You can also learn some simple repair techniques and understand the basic structure of your car, which is very practical for handling sudden emergencies on the road in the future. 4. After the normal maintenance is completed: Urge the maintenance technician to address any other faults identified beforehand. Ensure that any parts that need replacement are replaced and not just patched up, as this is within the free warranty period.

During my first car maintenance, I paid the most attention to safety-related inspections. Since the new car had only been driven a few thousand kilometers, internal parts might still be in the break-in period. Therefore, the focus of the first maintenance included carefully checking whether the brake system was responsive, whether the tire wear was even, and whether the oil level was normal to prevent malfunctions during emergencies. I once delayed the first maintenance, and as a result, the engine temperature became unstable while driving on the highway, nearly causing an accident. After promptly taking it to the repair shop for a comprehensive inspection, they adjusted the suspension and coolant, making the ride much smoother. I recommend sticking to the manual’s mileage schedule, bringing along the service records, and discussing any unusual sounds or vibrations with the technician to ensure every trip is safe and worry-free, avoiding potential hazards.

From a cost-saving perspective, the first maintenance is actually a money-saving investment. When the car is just starting to run, timely maintenance can save a lot of major repair costs. For example, changing the oil on time makes the engine more fuel-efficient, saving hundreds of dollars a year. I always choose authorized service centers where the first maintenance is usually free or low-cost, and they also check filters and fluid levels, preventing expensive towing fees due to breakdowns. Scheduling appointments during off-peak hours reduces work time loss. Missing the warranty period could lead to manufacturers refusing coverage, resulting in greater losses. Developing good maintenance habits keeps overall costs low while extending the vehicle's lifespan, leading to significant savings over ten years.

The car feels completely different after the first maintenance. The engine runs smoother now, with no jerking during acceleration, and fuel consumption has slightly decreased, making driving more effortless. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the noise level has reduced, seat vibrations disappeared, and daily commuting has become much more comfortable. After a simple maintenance, it's like the car has a new soul - a small performance improvement brings great joy.


