Do Cars No Longer Have a Break-in Period?
2 Answers
Nowadays, cars still have a break-in period, which typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers. The break-in period refers to the initial driving phase of a new car or one that has undergone major repairs, serving as the essential mileage for ensuring full contact, friction, adaptation, and stabilization of mechanical components. Vehicles in the break-in period should minimize load, as greater loads increase driving resistance and demand higher driving force from the engine, thereby increasing engine stress. During the break-in period, it's important to warm up the car before driving, and this practice should continue even after the break-in period. Warming up a car requires technique: generally, idling to warm up is not recommended. After normal startup, simply avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain low engine RPMs while driving. Typically, warming up can be completed within three minutes.
In the past, new cars needed a break-in period, but most vehicles don't require this anymore. Modern automotive manufacturing technology is so advanced that engine components are precision-made, tested and run-in at the factory before leaving. Combined with high-quality materials and computer controls, new cars no longer need the careful avoidance of high speeds or heavy loads like in the old days. However, when I personally buy a new car, I still prefer to drive gently for the first 1,000 kilometers: avoiding sudden acceleration, prolonged high-speed cruising, or towing heavy loads, giving the engine and transmission some time to adapt. This isn't mandatory, but it can reduce early wear and extend the car's lifespan. After all, cars are expensive, so taking good care of them initially is never wrong. Also, different brands may have different recommendations – for example, SUV or sports car manuals might mention precautions, while regular family sedans don't emphasize it. Overall, technological progress has made driving more convenient.
