First scheduled maintenance, or TO 1, is a critical stage in the life of a new car. It is after passing through the initial stage of operation, called “break-in”, that the intervention of specialists is required to assess the condition of the components. The owner often wonders whether this procedure is mandatory and what exactly will be done to his car during the service.
Many people mistakenly believe that the first visit to the service is formal and is only necessary for a “tick” in the service book. However, it is during this period that hidden assembly defects are revealed, which could appear after the first thousand kilometers. Dealer centers and authorized service stations carry out comprehensive diagnostics, the results of which affect the further warranty.
Ignoring the regulations may lead to denial of warranty repairs in the future if the breakdown is associated with untimely maintenance. In this article we will analyze in detail what is included in the list of mandatory and recommended work, which fluids are changed and which are just checked, and how to prepare for a visit to the station.
Dates and mileage dependency
The time frame for carrying out the first maintenance is strictly regulated by the manufacturer and is specified in the service book. Typically the interval is from 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or 12 months of operation, whichever comes first. Exceeding these limits even by a short distance may be considered a violation of operating conditions.
There is an opinion that for vehicles operating in difficult conditions, intervals should be reduced. Severe conditions include constant travel around the city in traffic jams, driving on dirt roads or using low-quality fuel. In such cases motor oil loses its properties faster, and replacement may be required after 5-7 thousand kilometers.
Sign up for Maintenance 1 in advance, at least a week before the planned date. At the end of the month and the beginning of the season, queues often form at the officials, and you can waste your time.
It is important to take into account that the countdown of time does not begin from the moment of purchasing the car in the showroom, but from the date of first registration or the date of sale specified in the contract. If the car has been sitting in the showroom for a year, then the countdown will still start from the date of your first departure. This is a critically important nuance for those who buy a car with a long shelf life.
Replacing consumables: oil and filters
The central element of any maintenance, including Maintenance 1, is changing the engine oil. During the engine break-in process, metal shavings from grinding parts, as well as fuel combustion products, accumulate in the oil. Old fluid no longer effectively lubricates and cools rubbing pairs.
Along with the oil, the oil filter must be replaced. This element retains dirt and wear products, and by the time of the first maintenance its resource has already been exhausted. Using an old filter with new oil will negate all the benefits of the replacement procedure.
- 🛢️ Engine oil: drains completely, often using a vacuum suction or through a drain hole in the pan.
- 🌀 Oil filter: changes to a new original or certified analogue.
- 💧 Coolant: the level and density are checked, replacement is usually not required if there are no leaks.
- 🌬️ Air filter: in most cases, maintenance 1 is only purged or cleaned; replacement is rarely required.
Some dealers also recommend replacement fuel filter, if it is located separately from the fuel pump, however, for most modern cars this unit is designed for a longer service life. The cabin air filter (carbon) is also checked for contamination, especially if the vehicle has been driven in dusty areas.
Do I need to flush the engine when replacing it for the first time?
Flushing the engine on a new car is strictly not recommended. Modern oils contain detergent additive packages, and a new engine does not have old carbon deposits that need to be washed off. Excessive chemicals can harm fresh seals.
Chassis and suspension diagnostics
Although a new vehicle's suspension usually does not require intervention, mechanics are required to perform a visual and tactile inspection of all components. During the running-in process on our roads, fasteners could become loose or play could appear in the silent blocks. The inspection is carried out on a lift, which allows you to see hidden defects from below.
Particular attention is paid to the condition of CV joint boots and shock absorbers. Even a microcrack on the boot can lead to dirt getting into the joint and its rapid failure. At this stage, it is important to identify any traces of leakage of technical fluids from the gearbox or gearbox.
| Suspension element | Wizard Action | Replacement criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers | Visual inspection for leaks | Presence of oil traces on the rod |
| Silent blocks | Checking backlashes using an installation tool | Rubber breaks, knocking noise when rocking |
| Ball joints | Checking the backlash | Free play of the support pin |
| Brake discs | Thickness measurement and visual inspection | Deep grooves, disc runout |
If faults are identified during diagnostics, they must be corrected within warranty repair. The owner has every right to demand replacement of a defective part, even if the mileage is minimal. It is important that all claims are recorded in the work order.
Checking the brake system and fluids
Driving safety directly depends on the serviceability of the brakes. During maintenance 1, technicians check the remaining thickness of the brake pads and discs. Although wear is minimal for new cars, sometimes there are manufacturing defects in materials and the pads can squeak or wear unevenly.
The level and condition of the brake fluid is also checked. It is hygroscopic and tends to accumulate moisture, which lowers the boiling point. Although complete replacement is usually not required in the first year, monitoring its condition is mandatory. If necessary, top up to the level MAX.
⚠️ Attention: If the brake fluid level in the reservoir drops below the mark MIN without visible leaks, this may indicate critical wear of the pads or a malfunction of the master cylinder. Immediate diagnosis is required.
Don't forget about other technical fluids. The electrolyte level in the battery (if it is serviceable) and charge density are checked. In winter, the freezing temperature must be checked washer fluidto avoid rupture of the tank and pipes.
Electronic diagnostics and software updates
A modern car is a complex computer complex. When passing Maintenance 1, a diagnostic scanner must be connected. It reads error codes from all control units: engine, gearbox, ABS, ESP and comfort systems. Even if the light bulb Check Engine does not light up, temporary errors may remain in memory.
Often a software update is available at the first service (firmware). Manufacturers release patches that eliminate “childhood diseases” of electronics, improve the operation of the gearbox or climate control system. You should not refuse to update, as this increases the stability of the systems.
☑️ What to check in electronics
The technician also checks the operation of all lights, windshield wipers, electric motors of windows and mirrors. Any deviation in the electrical operation must be recorded. Electronic diagnostics allow you to identify problems with sensors that have not yet manifested themselves clearly, but may lead to failure in the future.
Adjusting wheel alignment angles
One of the often ignored but important procedures is checking the wheel alignment, or wheel alignment. After the purchase and the first thousand kilometers of driving on roads with potholes, the suspension geometry may go wrong. This leads to uneven tire wear and the car pulling to the side.
At TO 1, only parameters are usually checked. If they are within acceptable limits, no adjustment is made. However, if the measurements show deviations, adjustments must be made. This is especially true for cars with independent suspension, which is more sensitive to settings.
- 📐 Toe: regulated primarily, affects the stability of the exchange rate.
- 📐 Camber: The angle of inclination of the wheel affects the contact patch and wear.
- 📐 Custer: longitudinal tilt affects the return of the steering wheel to zero.
Owners often ask if they need to do a wheel alignment after every tire change. At TO 1 this is done upon inspection. If the car drives straight and the tires don't "eat" at the edge, intervention may not be necessary. However, a preventative check will never be superfluous.
Wheel alignment adjustment at maintenance 1 is necessary only when deviations from the norm are detected. Unreasonable adjustment of a working suspension is not required.
Documentation and guarantee
The final stage is the correct execution of documents. After completing all the work, the service department makes an entry in the vehicle’s service book. This record is certified by the seal of the organization and the signature of the responsible person. Without this seal, the car may be removed from warranty.
The owner receives the completed work order, which details all the work performed and spare parts replaced. The document also records the current mileage. This data is entered into the dealer’s unified electronic database, which allows you to track the car’s history.
⚠️ Attention: Please check your order carefully before paying. Make sure that the list of works does not contain extra items that you did not order (for example, “anti-corrosive” or “engine protection” if you did not ask for them).
Keep all receipts and certificates of work performed until the end of the warranty period. In the event of a dispute with the dealer regarding the warranty, these documents will be proof that you serviced the car in a timely manner and from qualified specialists. Losing a service record can create serious problems when selling a car.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible not to do maintenance 1 if the car has not been driven much?
No, you can't. The regulations provide for a limitation not only in mileage, but also in time (usually 1 year). Oil ages even when not used, and the warranty expires if the terms are violated.
How long does the first maintenance take?
On average, the procedure takes from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the workload of the service and the car model. It is better to plan your visit with plenty of time.
What happens if you skip TO 1?
You risk losing the warranty on the engine and related components. In addition, abrasive chips from break-in will remain in the engine, which will accelerate wear.
Is it possible to bring your own oil to Maintenance 1?
Official dealers often refuse warranty when using customer materials. It is better to use oil supplied by the dealer to maintain warranty coverage.