When Does the First Car Maintenance Start Counting?

[JessicaMarie]

Car first maintenance starts counting from the day the car is picked up. The first car maintenance refers to preventive work that includes inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. The items for the first car maintenance include: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter; 2. Checking whether the coolant level of the car is in a normal state; 3. Inspecting the car's brakes and whether there are any scratches on the chassis; 4. Checking if the power steering fluid level is normal and if there are any oil leaks at the oil pipe interfaces; 5. Examining the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and the aging and tightness of the belts; 6. Cleaning the air filter.

[LeAthena]

When I first bought my car, the calculation for the first maintenance started from the day of pickup, usually based on two conditions: mileage or time, whichever comes first. The most common intervals are 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, but this may vary depending on the brand and model. For example, a Japanese car my friend bought required maintenance every 3 months or 3,000 kilometers. This is mainly because new engines accumulate metal debris during the break-in period, and the first maintenance is to replace the oil filter and clean these out to ensure a longer engine life. I remember going for my first maintenance after three months and 4,000 kilometers, and the dealership said the engine oil was quite dark, proving that early maintenance is beneficial. I recommend new car owners check their vehicle manual and set phone reminders to avoid delays, as this could affect the warranty or lead to premature engine wear, which would be much more expensive to repair later. Always keep records of each maintenance for future reference.

[CeciliaDella]

I'm speaking from my experience of owning several cars. The first service should be calculated from the day you take delivery of the vehicle. Most manufacturer standards are around 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. When a new car's engine first starts running, there's significant friction, leaving metal particles inside. If not cleaned promptly, it can affect performance. I remember my last new car—I drove it hard and exceeded 5,000 km in just two months, so I rushed for the first service. After the oil change, the technician said they saw particles in the filter. Time is also crucial; even with low mileage, engine oil can oxidize and degrade. So now, every time I buy a new car, I mark the delivery date and estimated first service date on my calendar—this habit saves a lot of hassle. Neglecting it not only increases maintenance costs but can also turn minor issues into major ones. In short, developing the habit of early inspections protects your car and extends its lifespan.

[LaAlaina]

From a maintenance perspective, the starting point for the first service is calculated from the new car delivery date. The manufacturer-recommended 5,000 km or 6-month interval must be strictly followed. During the engine break-in period, metal particles are released, and the first service removes these contaminants to prevent clogging. I advise owners to set reminders to avoid delays that could affect performance and warranty validity.

[MacLogan]

When I first became a car owner, I was quite unclear about the first maintenance. Later, the salesperson told me it should be done within six months or 5,000 kilometers from the date of pickup. When I took it in for maintenance at three months, I found the mileage was only 3,000. The 4S shop said it was fine but recommended doing it on time. Early engine cleaning for a new car is crucial, and neglecting it can lead to oil pressure issues. I use my phone to record the starting date for tracking.