Every new car in India comes with free service coupons, yet countless owners let them lapse by missing the kilometre or time window. This guide explains exactly how the coupons work, the schedules for Maruti, Hyundai, Tata and Honda, what is actually covered versus charged, and the simple habits that keep every rupee of value — and your resale premium — intact.
When you buy a new car, the manufacturer provides three free periodic maintenance coupons redeemable at authorised service centres. Each coupon carries a dual condition — a km milestone and a time limit — and whichever comes first applies. Drive only 600 km in the first month and the Service 1 coupon still lapses when the month ends. Coupons are non-transferable, cannot be combined or deferred, and expire independently. They are valid only at authorised dealer workshops; a multi-brand garage visit earns no credit and is not recorded in the OEM system, which affects warranty and resale.
| Brand | Service 1 | Service 2 | Service 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | 1,000 km / 1 month | 5,000 km / 6 months | 10,000 km / 1 year |
| Hyundai | 1,000 km / 1 month | 5,000 km / 6 months | 10,000 km / 1 year |
| Tata (petrol) | 1,000 km / 1 month | 5,000 km / 6 months | 10,000 km / 1 year |
| Tata EV | 2,500 km / 3 months | 7,500 km / 9 months | 15,000 km / 18 months |
| Honda | 1,000 km / 1 month | 5,000 km / 6 months | 10,000 km / 12 months |
Maruti has India's widest authorised network, followed by Hyundai and Tata; Honda's smaller network makes it worth checking the service locator in Tier 2 cities before purchase. Exact inclusions can vary slightly by dealer and scheme — always confirm with the service advisor.
Free services cover labour for the engine oil change, oil and air filter inspection, brake inspection, tyre rotation check, battery terminal cleaning and a basic multi-point safety inspection. Parts replacement — brake pads, filters that need changing, wiper blades, bulbs — plus tyres, AC gas and accessories are charged separately. Ask for an itemised estimate before approving any work so you can see free versus paid items.
Set phone calendar reminders for the 1-month, 6-month and 12-month deadlines — most owners track only km and are caught by the clock. Never skip Service 1: the run-in oil carries metal particles from the engine's break-in phase, so this early oil change matters most mechanically. Keep every stamped invoice in the booklet — a complete OEM-stamped record adds roughly 5–8% at resale. Learn why in the service history guide, see what happens at later services in the car service checklist, and read when it makes sense to switch workshops in authorised vs multi-brand service.
Three: Service 1 at 1,000 km or 1 month, Service 2 at 5,000 km or 6 months, and Service 3 at 10,000 km or 1 year — whichever comes first for each. They must be redeemed at an authorised Maruti Arena or Nexa workshop.
Labour for the engine oil change, oil and air filter inspection, brake inspection, tyre rotation check, battery terminal cleaning and a basic multi-point inspection. Any parts that need replacement are charged separately, so ask for an itemised estimate first.
No. Free service coupons are redeemable only at authorised dealership service centres of that brand. Independent or multi-brand workshops do not qualify, and servicing outside the authorised network during warranty can also affect warranty claims.
Once either the km or time limit passes, that coupon expires permanently and the service becomes chargeable. Coupons expire independently — missing Service 1 does not extend or combine with Service 2.
Most coupons cover labour plus the standard consumable allowance such as engine oil and the oil filter. Premium oils, extra fluids and part replacements like air filters or spark plugs are usually charged, so review the estimate before approving paid items.