When is the first maintenance for a vehicle?
2 Answers
Vehicle first maintenance is typically performed at around six months or 5,000 kilometers. The first maintenance includes: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; 2. Checking whether the level of the car's coolant meets the specified requirements; 3. Checking the fluid levels of the brake and clutch; 4. Checking the battery fluid level and the level of the windshield washer fluid reservoir; 5. Checking whether the oil level in the power steering fluid reservoir meets the specified requirements and inspecting all oil pipe connections in the system for leaks; 6. Checking whether the front and rear lights of the vehicle are complete; 7. Checking the tension and aging of the belts for the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and power steering pump; 8. Checking whether the vehicle's exhaust emissions meet the standards.
I remember when I first bought my new car, the salesperson at the 4S store specifically reminded me that the first maintenance should ideally be done at around 5,000 kilometers or no later than 6 months after purchase. This is mainly because during the break-in period, small debris from engine components can accumulate, and changing the oil and filter helps remove those particles to prevent accelerated wear. I followed the recommendation and had it done at 5,500 kilometers—the mechanic checked the tires, brake pads, and even replaced the cabin air filter. The whole process was pretty quick. Later, I learned that doing it too early or too late isn’t ideal: too early is a waste of money, and too late might damage the engine. So now I always remind my friends: check your owner’s manual ASAP, as requirements vary by brand—for example, Toyota usually recommends 5,000 km, while Volkswagen might suggest 7,500 km. Don’t wait until right before a highway trip to remember this!
