Can a New Car Frequently Drive on Highways?
4 Answers
A new car can drive on highways, but not too frequently, and the speed should not exceed 100km/h. Here are some precautions for using a new car: 1. Cold start warm-up: Proper warm-up helps form an "oil film" between engine components, reducing wear. 2. Timely gear shifting: When driving a manual transmission car during the break-in period, shift gears promptly and appropriately to avoid incorrect behaviors like high gear with low RPM or low gear with high RPM, and do not use a single gear for extended periods. 3. Timely maintenance: Simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle manual, and perform inspections and maintenance, such as changing engine oil and oil filters, and thoroughly checking the chassis system after reaching certain mileage or time intervals. 4. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the load on the vehicle's chassis and engine.
New cars can frequently drive on highways, but there's a break-in period to be cautious about. I've driven many cars, and new vehicles typically have a break-in period during the first 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. During this time, avoid driving too aggressively, such as preventing excessively high RPMs or sudden braking, as this can accelerate wear on the engine and braking system. Driving at a constant speed on highways is actually quite friendly to the engine, allowing for more complete fuel combustion and reducing carbon buildup. However, frequent highway driving can accelerate tire wear, especially after prolonged high-speed travel when tire pressure increases, which can lead to imbalance. I recommend driving gently for the first few weeks, keeping the speed within the limit, after which you can drive normally on highways. Regular maintenance is key, such as changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers and checking the coolant to ensure proper cooling. By doing this, not only is highway driving safe for a new car, but it can also enhance the vehicle's performance and lifespan.
From a design perspective, the new car has no problem running on highways at all. Modern car engines are tested before leaving the factory, and the break-in requirements are not as strict. As a technology enthusiast, I've tried taking a new car directly onto the highway and found that high-speed driving allows the engine to operate at its optimal state, with high efficiency and low fuel consumption—approximately 10% better than city driving. However, long-term highway driving increases the burden on the suspension and transmission, especially frequent acceleration and deceleration, which can shorten component lifespan. Regularly checking tire conditions is crucial, as tire pressure fluctuates more at high speeds—it's recommended to inspect them monthly. Replacing the air filter during maintenance helps keep the engine clean. After the break-in period, normal highway driving has no significant impact on the car, as long as extreme driving is avoided.
I've only had my new car for a month, and I've already taken several long-distance trips on the highway. A round trip to my hometown is several hundred kilometers. It feels very smooth, with stable engine sound and no abnormalities. The manual recommends driving at a constant speed during the break-in period and not exceeding 80km/h, but I've driven at 100km/h without issues, with low fuel consumption and strong power. There's just a bit of minor tire wear, so I rotate them every 5,000 kilometers to ensure balance. The high-speed driving creates more wind resistance, so I wash the car more frequently, but overall, the new car is durable and very comfortable on the highway. After the break-in period, you can drive more freely, so don't worry too much about frequency.
