Does a New Car Need a Break-in Period?
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New cars do require a break-in period, as every new vehicle has a break-in phase, typically lasting between 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. Purpose of the break-in period: The break-in period primarily allows various components of the car to fully contact, rub, adapt, and settle. During this phase, the car's parts enhance their ability to adapt to the environment, and initial contact between components helps wear down any rough surfaces or protrusions. Precautions during the break-in period: Avoid full load. The vehicle's load during the break-in period should not exceed 75% of its rated capacity. Maintain smooth starts and avoid sudden acceleration. Since the parts are still in the break-in phase, excessive load or high speeds can intensify impact on components, potentially causing damage rather than smoothing surfaces. Shift gears promptly while driving. Avoid prolonged use of a single gear. Start in low gear and gradually shift to higher gears for progressive driving. Prevent scenarios like low-gear high-speed or high-gear low-speed driving to ensure even wear among gears, shafts, and other transmission components. Choose smooth roads to minimize excessive vibration, impact, or sudden braking. Control your speed carefully, ideally keeping it between 50–80 km/h. Avoid long-distance trips. Extended driving during the break-in period increases continuous engine operation time, accelerating component wear. Do not change the oil prematurely. Follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for oil changes during the break-in period. Always warm up the engine before driving. The coolant temperature should reach at least 40°C. Warming up ensures proper lubrication, especially for turbocharged models, which require at least one minute of warm-up before driving.
