Can I Drive on the Highway During the Break-in Period of a New Car?
2 Answers
It is acceptable to drive on the highway during the break-in period of a new car. Here is relevant information: 1. Speed Control: Although the new car has undergone cold running-in, it has not been broken in through actual driving. Therefore, when driving on the highway, it is essential to control the speed, preferably keeping it below 100 km/h. Additionally, monitor the vehicle's operating time to avoid prolonged high-speed driving, and take breaks at service areas along the way. 2. Smooth Driving: Avoid sudden acceleration and emergency braking when driving on the highway. Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system but also affects the car's chassis and engine. Hence, strive to maintain steady driving and refrain from abrupt braking. Apply the brakes gently, preferably using a pumping method. 3. Proper Gear Usage: When driving on the highway, for manual transmission cars, use gears flexibly and avoid prolonged driving in low gears. For automatic transmission cars, make reasonable use of the S gear and manual mode.
I bought a new car before, and during the break-in period, I often drove on the highway, but I was very careful about controlling the speed and driving style. Actually, the break-in period for a new car is mainly to allow the internal engine components to wear in better and avoid harsh operations that could affect its lifespan. Most car manuals mention that you can drive on the highway during the break-in period, but the speed shouldn’t be too high—it’s recommended to keep it around 80-100 km/h and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. This is because the engine RPM remains relatively stable during highway driving, and if it doesn’t vary much, it might affect the even wear-in of components. I’ve driven several new cars, and during the break-in period, I prefer to vary the speed slightly on the highway—for example, accelerating a bit and then decelerating when passing toll booths—so the engine can adapt more healthily. In the long run, this can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of future issues, so driving on the highway is fine as long as you drive carefully and not recklessly. I recommend checking your car’s user manual first, as different brands may have specific requirements—for example, German cars tend to be stricter. In short, safety comes first—just don’t drive too aggressively on the highway.
