Can a new car be driven on the highway?
2 Answers
New cars can be driven on the highway. Driving on the highway does not mean running the engine at high RPM. As long as the RPM does not exceed 3,000, it is generally not a big issue. A highway is a road specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. It is important to periodically change the speed and gear when driving a new car on the highway, as this allows the gears of each gear to break in properly and reduces excessive wear on any single gear. The concept of a break-in period dates back to the era of older cars when engine and other vehicle manufacturing processes were relatively crude, and the produced mechanical components were not very smooth, especially the engine. During the break-in process, many metal fragments would wear off and be flushed into the engine oil.
From the perspective of an experienced mechanic at a repair shop: Of course, a new car can drive on the highway, but there are methods to follow. I remember when I was young and learning car repair from my master, he always reminded me that a new car is like a young colt—it needs to be taken for a gentle walk first. The first 1,500 kilometers are especially critical: keep the speed below 100 km/h and avoid revving the engine beyond 3,000 RPM. When driving on the highway, it’s best to pull into a rest area every hour for a 20-minute break to let the engine cool down. Pay attention to the tires too—new car tire pressure is often too high, so adjust it to 2.3-2.5 bar before hitting the highway for stability. The worst thing is when young drivers floor the accelerator right after getting their new car—the metal shavings on the cylinder walls haven’t been fully filtered out yet, which can lead to permanent wear. It’s always smart to keep a bottle of the manufacturer’s recommended oil in the trunk, just in case a warning light comes on for an emergency top-up.
