Can New Cars Not Be Driven on Highways?
3 Answers
New cars can be driven on highways during the break-in period. Here are some precautions to note during the break-in period: 1. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system undergoing break-in but also increases the load on the chassis and engine. It is best to avoid emergency braking within the first 300 kilometers of driving. 2. Avoid overloading: Running a new car at full load during the break-in period can damage its components. Therefore, within the first 1,000 kilometers of driving, the general load should not exceed 5%-80% of the rated capacity. 3. Avoid long-distance trips: Long-distance driving during the break-in period increases the continuous working time of the engine, which can easily lead to component wear. 4. Avoid changing oil too early: The initial oil in a new car is specifically designed for the break-in period, with low viscosity, excellent heat dissipation, cleaning, and anti-oxidation properties. Some oils even contain additives that aid in the break-in process. Therefore, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for oil changes during the break-in period and do not change it prematurely. 5. Avoid starting without warming up: It is essential to warm up a new car before starting. Warming up allows sufficient time for the engine to be properly lubricated, especially for turbocharged models, which must be warmed up before driving.
I just helped a friend pick up his new car and took it on the highway recently, so I have plenty of experience with this. A new car can definitely handle highway driving, but you need to pay attention to RPM control, especially during the first 500 km break-in period. When I drove his car, I deliberately kept the speed around 80 km/h and never let the engine RPM exceed 2500. After getting off the highway, I checked the tires, and sure enough, the tire pressure was too high—a detail that dealerships often overlook during delivery. Here’s another tip: avoid using cruise control; manual control is safer and allows for quicker response in case of emergencies. If it’s your first time taking a new car on the highway, I recommend not driving continuously for more than two hours, as new brake pads also need time to break in.
Last time I took my wife back to our hometown driving the new car on the highway, there weren't really any taboos. The key is to conduct thorough pre-drive checks: coolant and brake fluid levels must be normal, and tire treads need careful inspection. I specifically washed the car before departure, cleaning the rearview mirrors and windows crystal clear - visibility is absolutely crucial on highways. I recommend bringing the new car's manual as break-in requirements vary by model. The one I drove required avoiding hard braking for the first 300 km, so I deliberately maintained extra following distance on the highway. During rest stops, it's best to walk around the car - the new tire pressure monitoring system is extremely sensitive and can immediately detect any abnormalities.
