In your first 1,000 km, drive smoothly, avoid hard acceleration and very high speeds, vary your speed on highways, avoid heavy loads and towing, and check tyre pressure and fluid levels. Set up the myHyundai app, keep all your documents safe, and book your first free service at the interval in your service booklet. These habits help your Hyundai stay healthy for years.

Many families take delivery during the festive season. The first few weeks with a new car are exciting, and they also matter for its long-term health. This guide covers what to do and what to avoid in your first 1,000 km.

Modern engines are built to much finer tolerances than older ones, and some manufacturers no longer require a strict running-in period. Even so, gentle driving in the early weeks helps engine parts, brakes and tyres bed in properly. Always follow the specific advice in your owner’s manual.

1. Accelerate smoothly. Avoid flooring the accelerator, especially when the engine is cold.
2. Vary your speed. On highways, avoid holding one constant speed for very long periods.
3. Avoid very high revs in manual cars; change up early.
4. Brake gently. New brake pads and discs need time to bed in.
5. Warm up gently. Drive calmly for the first few minutes of each trip instead of idling for long.
6. Avoid heavy loads. Do not fill the car to its maximum load or tow in the early weeks.
7. Let the turbo cool. If you have a turbo engine, let it idle briefly after a hard drive before switching off.

New tyres have a smooth surface that improves after a few hundred kilometres. Take corners and wet roads more gently at first. Check tyre pressure weekly, when the tyres are cold, using the figure on the driver’s door frame or in the manual.

Spend some time getting to know your car:
• Pair your phone and set up Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
• Install the myHyundai app and link your car, which lets you book services and view your service history.
• On connected variants, set up Hyundai Bluelink for features such as remote AC start and vehicle status.
• Adjust seats, mirrors and steering for each regular driver.
• Learn the ADAS settings if your car has them, including how to adjust alert sensitivity.
• Save the roadside assistance number in your phone.

• Invoice
• Insurance policy
• RC (once received) and temporary registration if applicable
• Warranty booklet and service booklet
• Owner’s manual
• Extended warranty or maintenance package documents, if bought
Keep originals safe at home and copies in the car and on your phone.

New Hyundai cars come with free services in the first year. The first is usually due early, based on kilometres or months, whichever comes first. Check your service booklet for the exact interval. At this service, the technician checks fluid levels, fastenings, tyres and brakes, and looks for any early issues. Labour is free; consumables may be charged.

Tip: Note any rattles, noises or glitches you notice in the first weeks and mention them at the first service. Early issues are usually fixed under warranty.

• Warning lights on the instrument cluster
• Unusual noises from the engine, brakes or suspension
• The car pulling to one side
• Water leaks into the cabin
• Infotainment or electrical glitches
Contact your service centre if anything seems wrong.

• Wash the car with car shampoo, not detergent.
• Park in the shade where possible.
• Use floor mats from day one.
• Consider an underbody anti-rust coating if you live in a coastal or rainy city.

Check that your insurance policy details, including your name, address, engine number and chassis number, are correct. Make sure the high-security registration plates are fitted once issued, and that your FASTag is active.

• Week 1: Set up the myHyundai app, pair your phone and adjust seats and mirrors.
• Week 2: Check tyre pressure and fluid levels; note any noises.
• Week 3: Make sure high-security registration plates and FASTag are fitted and active.
• Week 4: Check when your first free service is due and book it.

New paint is at its best when kept clean. Wash bird droppings and tree sap off quickly, as they can mark the paint. Avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes for the first few weeks. Clean the interior with products suited to your seat material, and keep the cabin aired to avoid the new-car smell building up in hot weather.

• Bangalore: Devanahalli, Kempapura, Whitefield, Service Hennur. Call +91 99000 22956.
• Hyderabad: Yousufguda, LB Nagar, Kukatpally, Attapur, Madinaguda, Malakpet, Auto Nagar, Nizampet, Sanga Reddy, Gopanapally, BalaNagar, Sheriguda. Call +91 77999 37753.
• Chennai: Saligramam, Saidapet. Call +91 93848 64003.
• Vizag: HPCL, Anakapalli, AutoNagar, Birla, Gajuwaka. Call +91 88866 53349.
• Rajahmundry: Rajahmundry, Mandapeta, Amalapuram, Malkipuram, Hukumpet. Call +91 80966 66037.
• Vizianagaram: Vizianagaram. Call +91 80966 66516.

Full addresses and directions for every service centre are on lakshmihyundai.co.in.

Check your service booklet. It is based on kilometres or months, whichever comes first.

Yes, but vary your speed and avoid very high speeds.

Labour is free for the free services. Consumables may be charged.

It is worth considering in coastal or rainy cities.

By phone, online or through the myHyundai app.

Your first free service is the best time to make sure everything on your new Hyundai is just right. Book it at your nearest Hyundai service centre from the list above, by phone, on lakshmihyundai.co.in or through the myHyundai app. Mention any small rattles or questions you have noted, and the service team will check them for you.