Can a Newly Purchased Car Be Driven on the Highway?
2 Answers
Newly purchased cars can be driven on the highway, but proper methods should be followed. With the rapid advancement of automotive technology, mechanical precision has reached a high level. Some manufacturers even perform "cold running-in" before the vehicles leave the factory to spare owners the hassle of a traditional break-in period. This involves running the engine on a specialized test bench. Even so, it is still recommended to break in a new car for a period of time. Therefore, even when driving on the highway, appropriate driving methods should be adopted to avoid irreversible damage to the vehicle. Tips for Driving a New Car on the Highway: Warm up the car before driving on the highway. Whether driving on the highway or in daily use, it is advisable to drive slowly (at speeds not exceeding 60 km/h) for a while when the engine is cold. Wait until the coolant reaches the normal operating temperature before accelerating. Avoid aggressive driving. It is recommended to keep the RPM below 3,000 when accelerating. Gradual acceleration makes it easy for a new car to reach 120 km/h on the highway. Avoid prolonged highway driving. Generally, it is advisable to drive for two to three hours at a time. If continuous highway driving is necessary, take a break at a service area every four hours. Use reliable fuel. Different car engines have different compression ratios, so always follow the manufacturer's fuel recommendations. Additionally, refuel at reputable gas stations to avoid poor-quality or unverified gasoline from unauthorized sellers.
When I first got my new car, I immediately took it on the highway for a spin to the suburbs. Actually, there's no problem driving a new car on the highway as long as it left the factory in proper condition. However, I should remind you that new cars have a break-in period—roughly the first 1,000 kilometers—during which the engine and transmission are still adapting. If you constantly push it with high-speed sprints or fully loaded uphill drives, it can increase wear and tear. My friend got too excited back then and drove at high RPMs the whole way, which caused a sudden spike in fuel consumption. Later, a check-up at the dealership found no major issues but advised taking it easier. So now, I recommend that beginners first spend a few days driving on low-speed urban roads to get familiar with the car's condition. After breaking in for about 500 kilometers, then consider long-distance highway driving, and don’t forget to check tire pressure and fluid levels for safety. Being cautious like this can significantly extend your new car’s lifespan and make future drives smoother.
