The car is yours, but the settling-in period is not over. The first month of an imported car is the window when problems appear — and are easiest to catch. Small faults should surface now, while the warranty conversation is still fresh and evidence is easy to fix. Do these eight things in month one and the years after will be much smoother.
1. Five Things to Do in Week One
| Task | Key point |
|---|---|
| Check the paperwork | Certificate, invoice, warranty card, manual — missing one? Get it from the dealer now |
| Record mileage and fuel or charge state | Photograph everything — your baseline evidence for any later dispute |
| Test lights and washer system | Sea transport can loosen lamp units and leak lines — check early, replace early |
| Cycle every window and seat | Three full cycles each; note any noise or stutter and report it on the spot |
| Set tyre pressures, check the spare | Cars are stored over-inflated for shipping — reset to the door-jamb label |
2. How to Drive During Break-In
- Gentle for the first 1,000 km: keep revs under 3,000 and avoid full throttle; gears and bearings need a normal bedding-in.
- Avoid long constant speeds: during break-in, vary the revs instead of locking cruise control on the highway for hours.
- Hold off on full loads: no maximum payload and no long steep climbs in month one — overheating is the enemy of a fresh engine.
- Book the first service early: most Chinese cars have it at 3,000-5,000 km. Reserve ahead so you do not miss the free first service window.
3. Report Problems Early
- Noise and vibration: brake squeal, idle shake, steering knock — video it and send it to the dealer immediately instead of "watching it a bit longer".
- Abnormal consumption: fuel or electricity use more than thirty percent above the official figure — check tyre pressures and driving style first, then demand a diagnostic.
- Warning lights: a yellow light can wait for a booked check; a red one (especially oil or battery) means stop now and call for help.
Shunwei Auto tip: Make a dedicated phone album for this car: delivery condition, any fault, every repair. When a claim day comes, that album of evidence beats any argument.
Note: Route every first-month issue through a formal repair order and get it in writing. A verbal "we will look at it next time" is worth nothing once the warranty ends.
Related Posts
