Do new cars have a break-in period?

[Deborah]

Generally, new cars require a break-in period. The speed during the break-in period for modern cars has also increased. Here are some precautions for the break-in period of a new car: Precautions: Before starting the car, turn the key to the second position and wait for 5-10 seconds before ignition. This is beneficial for the car's motor and engine. Maintenance precautions: If a certain component of the vehicle is indeed malfunctioning, it must be replaced promptly. If the environment is very harsh, the replacement time for some parts may also be advanced.

[StNora]

There definitely is a break-in period for new cars. Although modern car manufacturing technology has advanced and manufacturers claim no special break-in is needed, as someone who has driven over a dozen cars, I still recommend taking it easy for the first 5,000 kilometers. When new, the metal components inside the engine like pistons and cylinder walls have microscopic burrs on their surfaces, and the gear meshing in the transmission isn't perfectly smooth yet. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or prolonged high-speed cruising during this period can cause excessive wear on parts. When I bought my new car two years ago, I kept speeds below 80 km/h for the first 2,000 km, maintained engine RPM under 3,000, and shifted gears very gently. As a result, after three years of driving, the engine runs as quiet as a cat's footsteps, and fuel consumption is half a liter better than my colleague's identical model. Remember to avoid full-load hill climbing and get the first maintenance done on time - these are crucial for extending your car's lifespan.

[Isaiah]

I've been studying automotive technology for seven or eight years, and the concept of running-in new cars has actually been evolving. In the early years, the requirements were particularly strict, but now with much improved manufacturing precision, engines undergo cold running-in treatment before leaving the factory. However, the running-in period still exists, just in a more flexible manner. When I buy a new car myself, I pay attention to avoiding sudden acceleration or emergency braking for the first 3,000 kilometers, trying to keep the speed and RPM changes smooth. Special attention should be paid to the brake discs and pads—a brand-new braking system requires several hundred kilometers to achieve optimal friction, so driving in rainy weather requires extra caution. After the running-in period, you can clearly feel the engine responding faster and the fuel consumption becoming more stable. Don't believe those who say you can drive however you want—many car owners on automotive forums have complained about abnormal noises caused by aggressive driving in the early stages.