Can a New Car Be Driven Long Distance on the Highway?
2 Answers
New cars can be driven long distance on the highway. The precautions for long-distance highway driving are: 1. Keep the speed below 100 km/h to avoid the engine RPM exceeding 3000; 2. Avoid exceeding the rated load capacity; 3. Avoid sudden braking and aggressive driving to prevent impact on the systems during the break-in period, which could reduce the service life; 4. Avoid driving on uneven roads; 5. The driver should avoid horseplay, answering phone calls, or making calls while driving; 6. Check tire pressure and ensure the lights are functioning properly before entering the highway. Precautions for using a new car include: 1. Maintain smooth acceleration, avoid stomping on the accelerator, and do not let the engine RPM get too high; 2. Before starting, ensure the water temperature reaches at least 50°C, start in a low gear, and shift to a higher gear after 1 km; 3. Shift gears promptly while driving, avoid using one gear for too long, and do not drive at low speeds in high gears or at high speeds in low gears.
Driving a new car on long-distance highways is completely fine. With decades of driving experience, I can assure you that new cars undergo rigorous testing before leaving the factory, and highway driving helps the engine break in evenly. However, it's advisable to control your speed during the initial period—avoid consistently staying above 120 km/h; ideally, maintain a steady 80-100 km/h for the first 1,000 kilometers. Highway driving places less load on the engine, results in lower fuel consumption, and avoids the wear and tear of stop-and-go city driving. Last time I bought a new car, I drove it 500 kilometers straight for a trip, stopping at service areas to check tire pressure and engine oil—everything was normal. Still, pay attention to the car's condition: if the engine isn’t properly warmed up before hitting the highway, there might be unexpected issues. Also, plan rest stops to avoid fatigue driving. Overall, taking a new car on long highway trips is safe and reliable, making travel more efficient.
