Can I Drive on the Highway with a Brand-New Car?
3 Answers
You can drive on the highway with a brand-new car. Here are some precautions for highway driving: 1. Both the driver and front-seat passenger must fasten their seatbelts, and the driver should avoid answering phone calls; 2. Avoid making sudden steering wheel movements while driving at high speeds; 3. Do not change lanes arbitrarily. When changing lanes or overtaking the vehicle ahead, turn signals must be activated in advance; 4. Only use adjacent lanes for overtaking, and immediately return to the driving lane after overtaking. Vehicles must not straddle or drive on lane dividers; 5. Do not reverse, drive in the opposite direction, make U-turns or turns by crossing the central divider, conduct test drives, or drive a training vehicle. Overtaking or parking on ramps is also prohibited; 6. Maintain a following distance of at least 100 meters. When driving below 100 km/h, the distance from the vehicle ahead in the same lane can be appropriately reduced, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters.
When I first bought my new car, I was so excited that I immediately took it on the highway for a trip. But later, I learned from a friend that although a new car can handle the highway, it's best to break it in first. For the first few hundred kilometers, drive in the city or on regular roads, keeping the RPM gentle and not exceeding 3000 rpm, so that the engine components can better adapt. When on the highway, avoid stomping on the accelerator, and keep the speed between 100-120 km/h to prevent long-term high-speed cruising from damaging the components. Remember to check tire pressure, brake fluid levels, and the condition of the lubricating oil to ensure everything is in order. After the break-in period, the vehicle will be more stable and durable. Always pay attention to the changes in the temperature gauge while driving, as developing good habits is crucial. It's recommended that new car owners take their time to get used to the handling and not rush into long-distance trips.
From my perspective as a car enthusiast, it's perfectly fine to take a brand-new car on highways for long-distance trips right away. Modern automotive manufacturing processes are advanced, with engines tested before leaving the factory, making break-in requirements much less stringent than in the past. However, for extra caution, maintain gentle driving habits before the first maintenance service: avoid frequent hard acceleration or braking, and periodically downshifting on highways can help components self-adjust. By the way, regular checks of the cooling system and transmission fluid can prevent malfunctions. Above all, safety comes first—ensure all lights and signals function properly, obey speed limits, and you'll have no issues with highway driving. The first few months with a new car are the best time to establish good driving habits, so make the most of it.
