Do new cars need a break-in period?

[IrisRose]

New cars do require a break-in period. Generally, the break-in period coincides with the first maintenance interval. Here are the precautions to take when driving a new car: 1. Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, overloading, and when going downhill for a long distance, pay attention to controlling the speed and do not suddenly use the engine for braking. 2. For manual transmission models, anticipate gear shifts in advance and avoid shifting at inappropriate speeds. For automatic transmission models, coasting in neutral and prolonged use of the S gear are strictly prohibited. 3. Regularly check tire pressure, coolant level, brake fluid level, and engine oil level. 4. Do not exceed two-thirds of the maximum speed, and keep engine RPM below 3000-3500 (requirements may vary among different car manufacturers). 5. After the break-in period, timely maintenance should be performed.

[DelLillian]

Back in the day, breaking in an old car was necessary, but modern vehicles are different. Last month when I picked up my new SUV, I specifically asked the 4S店 technician, who said modern manufacturing precision has improved, and engines undergo cold break-in at the factory. However, for the first 1,000 kilometers, you still need to be cautious: avoid flooring the accelerator for sudden acceleration, keep the RPM below 4,000, and don't drive at a constant speed on highways for extended periods. Most importantly, brake pads need about 200 kilometers to break in, so try to brake earlier in the first few days. I deliberately take longer routes on different roads during my daily commute, and now my fuel consumption has dropped from 11 liters to 8.7 liters—definitely noticeable.

[BeauMarie]

As a seasoned driver who frequently changes cars, the break-in period really depends on the vehicle. My manual transmission hot hatch was taken straight to high revs on mountain roads with its first tank of fuel, and after five years, the engine still roars like new. However, my wife’s electric car salesperson specifically advised that the lithium battery pack should be fully discharged and recharged for the first five cycles to activate it. Nowadays, for fuel-powered cars, it’s mainly the transmission that needs an adaptation period—gear shifts can be noticeably jerky within the first 500 kilometers, but things smooth out after 2,000 kilometers. I recommend avoiding long-distance trips in the first month and instead trying out different driving modes in city traffic.

[DeAlan]

Last week, I accompanied my friend to pick up his new car, and the last three pages of the manual had running-in precautions. For the first 800 kilometers, the engine should not exceed 80% of the maximum torque RPM—for my 2.0T, that means keeping it below 4500 RPM. The key is to avoid sustained high load on the engine, especially when climbing steep hills or carrying a full load. Tires also need breaking in, as new tires only have about 70% of their grip, so take it easy when cornering in the rain. The most easily overlooked aspect is the brakes—the mechanic said new brake discs require gentle use for the first 300 kilometers to reach optimal performance.