Do New Cars Need High-Speed Running-In?
3 Answers
New cars do not require high-speed running-in. Rumor: High-speed running-in can make the meshing between new gears smoother. Fact: Due to improvements in manufacturing processes, this practice is no longer effective. Deliberately driving at high speeds in low gear may cause overheating, cylinder scoring, and damage to the car. Additionally, excessively high speeds are unsafe for the driver. Rumor: High-speed running-in can help with break-in and test the machine's working condition. Fact: Vehicle components have already undergone testing. Forcing the car to its speed limit will only accelerate component aging, significantly increase engine wear, and does not help in cleaning carbon deposits.
When I first bought this car, my old friends all insisted on taking it on the highway to break in the engine, claiming it would help parts fit better and improve performance. Twenty years ago, I did the same thing—taking a high-speed spin to make the car feel smoother. But as automotive technology has advanced, I’ve talked to mechanics and learned that many new cars now have their engine components finely processed at the factory, making the break-in period largely unnecessary. High-speed runs might even cause issues like sudden malfunctions, accelerated tire wear, or risks of speeding tickets and accidents. Most manuals don’t mention this requirement; instead, they recommend driving smoothly for the first few thousand kilometers, avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking. I’ve wised up now—driving my new car steadily, sticking to regular maintenance, and prioritizing safety. Even as the car ages, it still runs just fine.
As a homemaker, I'm quite concerned about new car maintenance. I've heard about the need for high-speed running-in, which leaves me conflicted—not doing it might harm the engine, but doing it raises safety concerns on highways. From automotive repair blogs online, I learned that modern engines are designed with greater precision and undergo preliminary running-in during factory testing, eliminating the need for additional high-speed operation. Deliberately doing so might actually cause engine overheating or premature component wear due to prolonged high-speed running. I think a more practical approach is to drive smoothly during the initial period, maintaining controlled speed and RPM, and avoiding sudden braking in congested areas. This not only protects the car but also saves fuel and money. When I asked technicians at the 4S dealership, they also said it's unnecessary and focusing on normal driving and maintenance is more reliable.
