Can New Cars Not Be Driven on Highways?
3 Answers
The majority of opinions suggest that new cars should not be driven on highways during the break-in period. This is because the engine operates at high speeds, leading to maximum mechanical wear, and the first batch of engine oil contains the most metal shavings and impurities. Using this oil for high-speed driving can significantly increase engine wear and even cause abnormal damage. As a result, the vehicle may not be in its optimal condition after the break-in period. On the other hand, those who believe new cars can be driven on highways argue that automotive technology has advanced rapidly, with much higher mechanical precision. Some manufacturers even perform a "cold break-in" before delivery, where the engine is run on a specialized test bench to simulate the break-in process, eliminating the need for excessive owner attention. While this argument has some validity, we still recommend that owners follow a proper break-in period for new cars, as specified in the vehicle's user manual. However, modern vehicle user manuals indicate that break-in requirements are not as strict as they used to be. The main focus now is on monitoring engine speed, brake pads, and tires. In China, the maximum highway speed limit is 120 km/h, which is easily achievable for most cars. Even if the engine speed does not exceed 3,000 RPM—a commonly recommended limit during the break-in period—it is still easy to reach 120 km/h. Therefore, many believe that new cars can indeed be driven on highways during the break-in period, as long as proper driving practices are followed, without worrying about any harm to the vehicle. If a new car must be driven on highways, it should be done reasonably. What does "reasonably" mean? It means avoiding prolonged use of a single gear and changing speed and gears every few minutes to ensure even wear across all gears and prevent excessive wear on any single one.
This is a very interesting question! As someone who frequently reads automotive magazines, I see many people worrying about new cars not being able to handle highway driving. Modern automotive manufacturing technology is highly advanced, and new cars are perfectly capable of hitting the highway from day one, without any so-called "break-in period." Older vehicles from many years ago needed to be driven gently to allow parts to adapt, but today's engines come pre-lubricated from the factory, and computer control systems optimize their operation. In fact, highway driving can help new cars achieve uniform break-in faster and reduce carbon buildup issues. Of course, it's advisable to avoid full-throttle acceleration initially, but normal cruising is beneficial for the vehicle. By the way, choosing high-quality lubricants can enhance the car's longevity. In short, don’t be misled by outdated notions—safely driving a new car on the highway is absolutely feasible.
I remember when I just bought my new car last year, a friend also asked me if it could handle highway driving. As a new car owner with little experience, I drove directly to a neighboring city for a trip. The car performed very stably, with all dashboard indicators showing normal readings. During highway driving, the engine RPM remained steady, and oil temperature showed no abnormal fluctuations. I also consulted the 4S dealership, and they explained that modern engines are designed to be robust, with factory testing covering high-load conditions. They recommended that beginners check tire pressure and fuel levels before their first highway trip to ensure no leaks. Long drives might cause fatigue, but the car itself has no issues. Plus, my new car has adaptive cruise control, which made things much easier. Sharing this in hopes of helping others who might have similar concerns.
