Can a Brand-New Car Go on the Highway?

[ColtonDella]

Yes, a brand-new car can go on the highway, but the speed should not be too high—it's best not to exceed 100 km/h. Additionally, continuous driving time should not be too long; keeping it under two hours is advisable. Also, avoid maintaining a constant speed; occasionally varying the speed is beneficial, as a single driving condition is not ideal for breaking in a new car. Avoid frequent braking, especially sudden braking, as this can lead to uneven wear on the brake pads, potentially causing noise or vibrations during braking in the future. Some families may have many members, leading to overloading the new car. It's important to note that overloading can damage the suspension springs and shock absorbers. Frequent overloading can significantly impact the vehicle's lifespan and fuel consumption.

[MacEleanor]

I drove on the highway right after getting my new car, and honestly, it handled it just fine. However, you need to be mindful that the engine is still in its break-in period. For the first few hundred kilometers, try to avoid stomping on the accelerator. I kept my speed between 80-100 km/h and the RPM under 3000. Especially in the first three days, avoid sudden braking and flooring the gas pedal to allow the piston rings and cylinder walls to gradually wear in. On the highway, remember to take a break at a service area every two hours—this lets the engine cool down and gives you a chance to check the tires. My neighbor once took a long trip in his new car without resting, and the brake discs ended up with grooves. Nowadays, with improved manufacturing processes, the break-in requirements aren't as strict as before, but it's still your beloved car after all.

[Shawn]

It's absolutely fine to drive on the highway, but take it easy. A new car is like new shoes that need a breaking-in period – the internal engine components aren't fully seated yet. I recommend keeping speeds below 90 km/h for the first 500 km, and avoid using cruise control for extended periods. I remember deliberately taking provincial roads for three days before hitting the highway back then, allowing the tires and brake pads to properly break in. When touching the brake discs at rest stops, you could clearly feel the temperature difference before and after the break-in. Also, be careful not to sustain high RPMs for too long – modern turbocharged engines are particularly delicate. After highway driving, don't shut off the engine immediately; wait for the cooling fan to stop before locking the car.

[Stacy]

Speaking from personal experience of taking a new car on the highway for the first time! Four key points: keep RPM at the midline of the green zone, brake early and gently, ensure sufficient engine oil, and always check tire pressure when the car is cold. Pay special attention to the engine temperature gauge—I almost hit the red zone during traffic last time and had to turn on the heater to cool it down. Actually, the manual covers all this; German cars typically recommend not exceeding 4,000 RPM for the first 2,000 kilometers. Looking back, the humming noise from the rear wheel bearings was due to pushing 120 km/h during the break-in period. New cars with aftermarket wheels need extra caution—driving at high speeds with improperly fitted wheel hub center bores can cause vibrations.