Can a New Car That Hasn't Completed the Break-in Period Be Driven on the Highway?
2 Answers
Can a new car that hasn't completed the break-in period be driven on the highway. Reasons for the judgment: A new car can be driven on the highway during the break-in period as long as other operations are followed, and there is no need to worry about any harm to the new car from highway driving. Most new cars have undergone "cold running-in" before leaving the factory, which involves mounting the engine on a special machine tool and using an electric motor to run it in. During this process, most burrs on the parts can be worn away. Precautions for highway driving during the break-in period: The engine speed must be strictly adhered to during the break-in period. Generally speaking, when the speed increases to 120 kilometers per hour, the engine speed should not exceed 3,000 rpm. Experienced drivers will notice that even without reaching 3,000 rpm, the vehicle speed can already reach the maximum speed limit on Chinese highways.
I've been driving for many years and have discussed this topic numerous times. Can a new car go on the highway before the break-in period? Absolutely, modern cars are built much more precisely than before. The manual often reminds you, but the actual risk is minimal. The key is how you drive: avoid going too fast, for example, don’t exceed 120 km/h, and don’t use cruise control all the time. Occasionally accelerate and decelerate to let the engine move freely. The break-in period is mainly to allow the engine components to wear in and reduce friction. Being too aggressive can easily wear out the parts, so it’s recommended to drive gently before the first maintenance. I’ve had two new cars that went straight to the highway, and they ran smoothly. Just remember to check the oil and temperature regularly. For safety, avoid sudden braking on the highway and gradually build up your confidence. Regular maintenance can extend the car’s lifespan—just don’t mess around with it unnecessarily.
