Do cars still need a break-in period?
2 Answers
Nowadays, cars still require a break-in period. Here are the methods to use during the break-in period: 1. Pre-heat the cold engine. Properly warming up the engine allows the oil to lubricate the internal components effectively, reducing wear and tear; 2. Shift gears promptly while driving, especially for manual transmission cars. During the break-in period, it is necessary to change gears appropriately to avoid situations like high gear with low RPM or low gear with high RPM; 3. New cars need timely maintenance during the break-in period. Driving a car requires the owner to familiarize themselves with aspects such as the brakes, throttle, suspension, steering force, and gear-shifting logic to better understand the car's performance.
I remember buying a new car last year, and the salesperson told me that with advancements in modern automotive manufacturing processes, the break-in period isn’t as critical as before. However, they still recommended driving gently for the first 1,000 kilometers. Avoid prolonged high-speed driving or sudden acceleration and braking, as engine components and the transmission need time to adapt to each other, reducing friction and preventing premature wear. I also noticed that doing so helps maintain more stable fuel consumption and improves brake responsiveness. The manual provides specific recommendations, which may vary by model, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Additionally, if you frequently carry heavy loads or drive on mountainous roads, gentle driving becomes even more important to extend the vehicle’s lifespan. Regularly checking fluids and tires is also crucial during the break-in period—don’t overlook these small details. Overall, break-in requirements have lessened, but cautious driving in the early stages never hurts.
