Does a Car Need a Break-in Period?
3 Answers
Automobiles require a break-in period. The following are precautions for the break-in period of a new car: Avoid high-speed driving: Try not to let the car's speed reach 120km/h, as this helps maintain the engine's performance and prolong its lifespan. Avoid overloading: Placing excessively heavy objects in the car during the break-in period undoubtedly puts stress on the vehicle. Overloading requires frequent gear shifts, and the constant fluctuation between high and low gears can be extremely detrimental to the engine. Avoid driving in extremely poor road conditions: Driving on very rough roads during the break-in period causes significant tire wear. Moreover, prolonged driving under such conditions forces the engine to operate at high power continuously, which is bound to cause damage.
Just accompanied a friend to pick up a new car a couple of days ago and specifically asked the experienced technician at the 4S dealership about the break-in period. Nowadays, automotive manufacturing has improved significantly, with engines undergoing cold break-in procedures before leaving the factory, so there's no need for the deliberate break-in practices required for older cars. However, for the first 2,000 kilometers, it's still advisable to take some precautions: avoid driving at a constant speed for extended periods on highways—for instance, slightly adjust your cruising speed every half hour; refrain from sudden acceleration or hard braking, not so much to protect the engine but mainly to allow the brake discs and tires to gradually adapt; and keep the load below 70% of the manual's specified limit. Another detail to note is that metal particles in the engine oil will peak before the first maintenance service, so make sure to schedule the first oil change promptly after the break-in period ends.
My family has been in the car repair business for three generations. The old man always says today's drivers don't understand the essence of break-in. No matter how precise mechanical components are, new parts always have microscopic imperfections on contact surfaces. The first 300 kilometers are especially crucial - piston rings and cylinder walls need to gradually mate under moderate loads. Here's how I do it: after starting, avoid stomping on the accelerator; wait until coolant reaches 90°C before normal driving. For manuals, shift frequently; for automatics, use sport mode to prevent high-gear low-RPM operation. Occasionally climbing small hills to put some load on the engine actually helps sealing rings form better. But there's no need to be overly cautious - last week's oil analysis on a new car showed metal particulates stabilize after normal driving for about 1,000 kilometers.
