When is the first car maintenance due?
2 Answers
The first maintenance time for a car is clearly specified in the user manual. Most vehicles require the first maintenance within five months or 5,000 kilometers, while some models may have a longer interval, up to one year or 8,000 kilometers. Below are specific introductions about major and minor car maintenance: 1. Minor Maintenance: Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance tasks performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Major Maintenance: All items covered in minor maintenance are included in major maintenance, meaning that every major maintenance typically involves all tasks listed under minor maintenance. The specific items for major maintenance may vary slightly depending on different manufacturers and vehicle designs, but there is generally a simplified commonality. Major maintenance involves routine tasks such as replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.
I remember when I bought my new car last year, the salesperson specifically emphasized that the first maintenance should be done within three months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. It's like giving a newborn a check-up—the engine produces metal debris during the initial break-in period, and changing the oil early can protect the precision components. My buddy delayed it until 8,000 kilometers, and the mechanic said the oil pan was full of metal particles, even clogging the filter. It's recommended to book an appointment one week in advance to avoid weekend crowds; it usually takes about half an hour. Different brands have different requirements—German cars often have stricter standards, while Japanese brands might be more lenient, but it's best not to exceed the manual's guidelines. For the free first maintenance, bring the purchase invoice and service manual, as the dealership will register the chassis number for records.
