Can a Brand New Car Go on a Long-Distance Highway Trip?
4 Answers
A new car is in its break-in period, and it can go on the highway as long as you avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Here are some precautions during the break-in period: 1. Try to avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only shocks the braking system during break-in but also increases the impact load on the chassis and engine. It is best to avoid emergency braking within the first 300 kilometers. 2. Avoid overloading: If a new car is fully loaded during the break-in period, it can cause damage to the components. Therefore, within the first 1,000 kilometers, the load should generally not exceed 75%-80% of the rated capacity. 3. Highway driving: If a new car goes on a long-distance trip during the break-in period, the engine's continuous working time will increase, which can lead to component wear. It is recommended to maintain a speed of 120 km/h with the engine RPM not exceeding 3,000. If the RPM exceeds 3,000, consider reducing the speed to keep it at 3,000 RPM. During long-distance driving, take a break of about ten minutes at service areas whenever possible.
It's perfectly fine to take a new car on the highway for long-distance trips. Modern manufacturing processes have improved significantly, and the era of requiring a strict break-in period is long gone. However, when driving on the highway, I recommend maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration. Keeping the speed between 100-120 km/h is ideal. The first 500 kilometers can include some highway driving, which helps complete the initial break-in. Remember to check the tire pressure before each drive; after transportation, new cars often have tire pressure that's either too high or too low—adjusting it to 2.3-2.5 Bar is optimal. During long-distance driving, make sure to let the car rest—take a 10-minute break every two hours at a service area to allow the engine to cool down. Last time, I drove from Shanghai to Chengdu the day after picking up the car, covering 1,600 kilometers in one go, and the car actually performed even better afterward.
New cars can handle long-distance trips without any issues, but remember to perform these checks before departure: adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended standard, and don't forget to inflate the spare tire; inspect all fluids, especially coolant and brake fluid; ensure all necessary tools are onboard. On the highway, avoid rushing to drive too fast—it's advisable to keep the engine RPM below 3000 for the first few hundred kilometers to allow proper break-in of engine components. For modern new cars, the main break-in precautions are avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking. If your new car has odors, opening windows frequently during highway driving provides better ventilation than stop-and-go city traffic. Remember to regularly check the dashboard for any warning alerts.
I've driven new cars on long-distance trips five times, with the farthest journey directly from Guangzhou to Harbin. There are several advantages to running a new car on the highway: first, the engine can maintain the optimal operating temperature, and the fuel consumption is even lower than in the city; second, it helps to clear out metal debris generated during the initial engine break-in; third, continuous operation is beneficial for the proper seating of various components. However, before setting off, pay special attention to the condition of the chassis screws, as some transport securing bolts might not have been completely removed. Also, if the new car's insurance hasn't taken effect yet, remember to display the temporary license plate properly. If you plan to use ETC at the highway toll station, it's advisable to use the manual lane first. Don't worry too much during the trip; cars nowadays undergo thorough testing before leaving the factory.
