Can a Brand New Car Drive on the Highway Immediately?
2 Answers
It is acceptable for a brand new car to undertake long-distance highway driving immediately after purchase. However, there are several precautions to consider when driving a new car at high speeds: Inadequate or Excessive Load: When driving at high speeds, the new car must be in a fully loaded state. Otherwise, the effort will be in vain. Therefore, ensure the vehicle is loaded according to the manufacturer's specified maximum capacity. If there are not enough passengers, items can be placed in the trunk to achieve the required weight. Driving Before the First Maintenance: High-speed driving should only be performed after the first maintenance service. This is because the first maintenance includes checking and tightening all bolts, as well as inspecting various fluid levels, ensuring the car is safe to drive at high speeds. High-Speed Driving Before Oil Change: High-speed driving requires not only skill but also proper timing. The quality of the engine oil is a critical factor affecting the engine. Therefore, avoid high-speed driving before an oil change. During high-speed driving, the engine operates at high RPMs, leading to maximum mechanical wear. The initial batch of oil contains the most metal shavings and impurities. Using this contaminated oil for high-speed driving can significantly increase engine wear and even cause abnormal damage. As a result, the car will not be in optimal condition after the break-in period.
I'm a new car owner who just picked up the vehicle and was also conflicted about this. The salesperson said there's no issue with taking a new car on the highway, as modern car designs have improved, but it's best to break it in for the first 500 kilometers—avoid rapid acceleration and speeding. The manual states that initially installed engine components need time to adapt, and maintaining a steady speed of 100 km/h is smoother than stop-and-go city driving, also helping to reduce carbon buildup. Personally, I took my car on the highway on the third day to drive back to my hometown, covering over 200 kilometers at 90-100 km/h without any issues. I recommend new owners try this approach—don’t worry about the tires or engine, just avoid slamming the accelerator or braking hard. Check the tire pressure and coolant for safety. Proper break-in ensures the car is more durable and fuel-efficient later, saving money and giving peace of mind.
