When Does the First Maintenance Period Start?
2 Answers
First maintenance for a car refers to the initial servicing after the vehicle has been driven. The timing for the first maintenance varies by vehicle, typically required after driving 1,000-3,000 kilometers. There are two methods to calculate the first maintenance period: 1. The first maintenance date is calculated from the day the car is picked up. 2. The operational date after picking up the car, generally within 3 months or around 3,000 kilometers. Different car brands have varying requirements, so it's advisable to refer to the owner's manual. Relevant information about the first maintenance includes: 1. During the break-in period, since the engine, transmission gears, etc., have not fully worn in smoothly, the car should not be driven too fast—absolutely not exceeding 100 km/h, and preferably not exceeding 80 km/h. 2. If the car is driven infrequently and it takes a long time to reach 3,000 kilometers, the first maintenance should be done within three months.
Regarding when the first maintenance period starts, I specifically asked the 4S dealership when I picked up my new car last time. The staff told me that the first maintenance period is usually calculated based on the date of the car purchase invoice, while some 4S dealerships count it from the date the vehicle is delivered to you. In my case, it was calculated as six months or 5,000 kilometers from the day I picked up the car, whichever comes first. I remember the salesperson also reminded me not to exceed the deadline, otherwise the free first maintenance would be void. It's recommended to set a reminder in your phone after picking up the car and proactively contact the 4S dealership to schedule an appointment as the date approaches. The first maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter, which is particularly important as it helps clean out impurities from the new car during the break-in period. Anyway, don’t follow my neighbor’s example—he went for maintenance three months late and ended up spending over 800 yuan more.
