What to Pay Attention to for a Car's First Maintenance?
4 Answers
For a car's first maintenance, the following points should be noted: 1. Maintenance timing; 2. Required first maintenance items; 3. Changes in the car after the first maintenance; 4. Calling to schedule the first maintenance time. The first maintenance of a car refers to the first service after the vehicle has been driven. The first maintenance items include: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, air conditioning filter, and air filter; 2. Checking the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Checking the brake and clutch fluid levels, as well as the power steering fluid reservoir level; 4. Inspecting all system oil pipe connections for leaks; 5. Checking the front and rear lights; 6. Checking tire pressure and wear, and tightening screws to the specified torque.
I just bought a new car and recently had its first maintenance. As an ordinary family user, I’d like to share some tips. The first maintenance is usually free within 3,000-5,000 km or 6 months—don’t miss the deadline. Remember to book an appointment with a 4S shop or professional service center, and bring the maintenance manual to avoid hassles. Key checks include replacing the oil filter to ensure smooth engine lubrication and adjusting tire pressure to the manual’s recommended value to prevent blowouts. Also, inspect the car’s paint for damage and check if the headlights are bright enough. If necessary, ask the technician to scan for error codes with a diagnostic tool. After the break-in period, driving becomes smoother, and fuel efficiency improves slightly. After maintenance, make it a habit to keep a logbook to track future service intervals and avoid being upsold unnecessary extra services. Overall, proper first maintenance can extend your car’s lifespan by five or six years, saving you money and hassle.
As a new driver, I did a lot of research before my first maintenance. The key is to follow the manufacturer's recommended mileage and not exceed it. Generally, the first maintenance is free, but you need to make an appointment in advance to avoid delays. Key steps include checking if the engine oil is dirty and replacing it if necessary, cleaning or replacing the filter to ensure air circulation, adjusting tire pressure to a reasonable range to prevent uneven wear, and testing the lighting system to ensure nighttime safety. It's also a good idea to check the initial brake wear and use a computer to read potential errors—don't ignore small issues that could turn into big problems. My experience is that after the first maintenance, driving habits should be smoother without sudden acceleration, which can improve fuel efficiency by about 5%. In the long run, regular maintenance helps prevent major repair costs.
Having repaired cars for many years, I've encountered numerous owners who neglect their first maintenance. I emphasize the key points: the condition of the engine oil and replacing the filter are top priorities to ensure engine lubrication and reduce wear; calibrating tire pressure prevents abnormal wear and potential accidents; a thorough body inspection to identify loose fasteners. Use diagnostic tools to scan for electronic fault codes and eliminate risks promptly; avoid opting for unnecessary services during free maintenance. It's advisable to check tire pressure and oil levels monthly after the first maintenance, fostering a maintenance habit to avoid future troubles.
