
The best time for the first maintenance of a new car is at 6 months or 5,000 kilometers. Here is an introduction to the first maintenance of a new car: 1. The maintenance time and mileage are subject to whichever comes first. When performing the first maintenance, be sure to bring the first maintenance card. 2. After the first maintenance, the vehicle still requires regular maintenance. Regular maintenance involves preventive work such as inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. The purpose is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. 3. Regular maintenance is generally divided into minor maintenance and major maintenance: Minor maintenance usually refers to the routine maintenance items performed at the time or mileage specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the time or mileage specified by the manufacturer, including changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

As someone experienced with new cars, I believe the first maintenance at 3,000 kilometers or three months (whichever comes first) is most appropriate. New car engine components need breaking-in, which generates fine metal particles mixed into the engine oil - these contaminants are like waste in blood vessels. Changing the first-service-specific oil early can clean out these particles and improve lubrication. Remember to bring the warranty manual to the 4S dealership. Besides changing the oil and oil filter, they'll perform free checks for loose chassis bolts, uneven tire wear, and brake fluid leaks. While many modern cars claim they can stretch to 5,000 km, early maintenance is essentially buying health insurance for your new vehicle.

Last time I helped my neighbor check the maintenance schedule, I realized there's quite a difference in the first service intervals between brands. Japanese cars generally require it at 5,000 km or 6 months, while German cars might need it at 3,000 km or 3 months. The key is to check your owner's manual—it's printed in the maintenance section pages. I've seen cases where owners missed the deadline and lost their free service. During the first service, technicians will connect to the computer to read fault codes and check for engine carbon buildup. Especially for vehicles frequently driven on mountain roads or fully loaded, where the drivetrain is under heavy stress, changing the oil at 3,000 km can significantly reduce the likelihood of future repairs.

It's advisable to perform the first maintenance on a new car after six months or 5,000 kilometers. This period allows for the proper break-in of the engine piston rings and cylinder walls. During maintenance, pay special attention to the coolant level and the moisture content in the brake fluid, as residual air from assembly may cause abnormal depletion of these fluids. It's recommended to record fuel consumption changes before and after maintenance, as addressing wear issues promptly can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 8%. Remember to request the 4S shop to replace the oil filter rather than cleaning it, as many first maintenance issues stem from clogged oil passages due to inferior filter elements.


