Does a car need a break-in period?
2 Answers
Automobile break-in period is not only the adaptation between the driver and the car, but also the running-in between various contacting and friction components of the vehicle. Due to advancements in modern automobile manufacturing processes, the break-in period for new cars has been significantly shortened. The break-in period for new cars has the following characteristics: 1. More driving malfunctions: Due to factors such as improper assembly of components, new cars tend to have more driving malfunctions during the break-in period; 2. Higher fuel consumption: To ensure that new cars operate under light load during the break-in period, carburetor-equipped cars are installed with speed limiters, which can easily cause excessively rich air-fuel mixture, thereby increasing fuel consumption; 3. Lubricating oil is prone to deterioration: During the break-in period, the rough surfaces of components and the small gaps between them can cause the temperature of the lubricating oil to rise.
I used to think that new cars needed careful break-in, just like raising a child that requires gentle care. However, after driving two new cars in recent years and consulting technicians at the 4S dealership, I learned that modern manufacturing processes have improved significantly. Engines now undergo cold break-in tests before leaving the factory, and transmissions are precision-engineered, making them far less delicate than the carbureted cars from the 1990s. That said, my friend drives a turbocharged performance car, and the manual specifically advises against heavy throttle use for the first 500 kilometers, as the piston rings need time to adapt to high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. My current approach is to avoid hard braking and rapid acceleration in the first month, refrain from continuous driving for over two hours, and keep the RPM below 3,000—this helps with the engine and transmission gear meshing.
