Can a New Car Be Driven on Long-Distance Highways Immediately?
3 Answers
It is best not to take a newly purchased car on long-distance trips because new cars have a break-in period, which is crucial. The break-in period for a new car is like an athlete's warm-up before a competition. How well the car is broken in directly affects its lifespan, safety, and fuel efficiency. The break-in period for a new car typically ranges between 2,000 to 4,000 kilometers. During this period, the car's RPM should be kept around 2,500 to ensure sufficient contact, friction, and adaptation of all mechanical components. On the return trip, extend the travel time and reduce the driving speed to provide good adaptability for the mechanical break-in. Make full use of the outbound journey to break in the vehicle. Before starting the return trip, visit a local 4S dealership for an initial maintenance (oil and oil filter change) and a comprehensive vehicle inspection. This will significantly reduce potential damage to the vehicle.
My new car just completed a 3,000-kilometer high-speed trip. Actually, modern engines have high manufacturing precision, but the transmission gears still need breaking in. Avoid maintaining a fixed RPM for the first 500 kilometers—switch lanes periodically to vary engine speed. Remember to keep tire pressure 0.2 bar above the standard value to reduce road noise and improve fuel efficiency. Don’t overload the trunk, as excess weight can prematurely fatigue the shock absorbers. Most importantly, check coolant and oil levels before departure—last time I drove on the highway, oil consumption was 20% higher than usual. During rest stops, feel the wheel hubs for excessive heat, which could indicate abnormal brake caliper activity.
My colleague just drove 800 kilometers on the highway right after picking up the car, and the test results showed no issues. Nowadays, forged crankshafts undergo cold run-in before leaving the factory, but brake discs still require a break-in period. Avoid sudden braking within the first 300 kilometers, and check for any burnt smell when stopping at rest areas. I recommend not exceeding 110 km/h on the highway, keeping the engine RPM under 3000 for optimal performance. Avoid turning the steering wheel to its full lock, especially when making turns at service areas. Don’t set the air conditioning to maximum, as the new compressor under heavy load during break-in may cause abnormal noises. Take a break every two hours—the car needs to cool down, and the driver needs to stay alert.
