Does a new car need running-in?
3 Answers
New cars do not require running-in, as modern machining processes have eliminated the need for break-in periods. Reasons for the break-in period: In the past, due to backward automotive production technology, car parts had lower dimensional accuracy and rougher surfaces, which prevented perfect meshing operation of transmissions and engines after installation and debugging. This led to the concept of a break-in period. Definition of break-in period: The break-in period generally refers to the initial operation process where mechanical components come into contact, rub against each other, and mesh together. In modern usage, it often describes the adaptation period when two things or organizations become familiar with each other's internal operations.
My first car was so precious that I was extra careful during the break-in period. The first 500 kilometers are especially critical for a new car, as precision components like the engine still have minor surface imperfections. Gently pressing the accelerator to let the RPM rise gradually is particularly beneficial for the mating of piston rings and cylinder walls. Avoid flooring the throttle right from the start, and also refrain from prolonged constant-speed cruising—varying your speed frequently is best. The break-in period lasts until the first three maintenance services, and remember that the transmission also needs breaking in. For manual transmissions, shift gears smoothly, and for automatic transmissions, avoid frequent sudden acceleration or deceleration. Although modern car manufacturing has improved, it’s always better to be safe than sorry—even metal parts need an adaptation period.
Last time during maintenance, the experienced mechanic said that running-in is a matter of opinion. Nowadays, new cars undergo cold running-in before leaving the factory, and the precision of key engine components is very high. However, it's recommended not to exceed 3000 RPM before the first service, and it's best to wait until after 2000 kilometers for heavy loads or full capacity. We've seen many owners drive at high speeds right after picking up the car—it's fine in the short term, but the probability of oil burning significantly increases after 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Special reminder: brake pads and tires also need running-in. New brake pads only provide 70% braking effectiveness for the first 200 kilometers, so drive cautiously in rainy weather. Wait for the RPM to stabilize after a cold start before moving—it's especially good for the turbo.
