Can a new car be driven on the highway during the break-in period?
2 Answers
New cars should not be driven on the highway during the break-in period. The speed is generally limited to 70km/h during the break-in period, and the car can only be driven on the highway after completing the break-in. During the break-in period, it is important to avoid emergency braking, as it can impact the braking system that is still being broken in. New cars should not be overloaded; running a new car at full load during the break-in period can cause damage to the mechanical components. Precautions for new cars during the break-in period: 1. Observe speed limits and avoid highways; 2. Pay attention to controlling the engine speed; 3. Avoid overloading and observe load limits; 4. Do not perform emergency braking; 5. Avoid long-distance driving; 6. Do not change the initial oil too early; 7. Warm up the vehicle before starting.
It's fine to take a new car on the highway during the break-in period. Older cars required extra caution, but automotive technology has improved significantly. With decades of driving experience, I always make sure not to drive too fast during the first few highway trips—keeping speed below 120 km/h and avoiding high engine RPMs. After driving 200-300 kilometers continuously, I stop at a service area to let the engine cool down. This practice benefits the engine and extends its lifespan. Remember to check the owner's manual—some cars have a break-in period within the first 1,000 kilometers, so avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking. Also, don’t use cruise control exclusively on the highway; vary your speed to allow different gears to break in properly.
