Does a Newly Purchased Car Need to Go on the Highway?

[Rowan]

Newly purchased cars do need to go on the highway, but it's important to note that the car requires a certain break-in period, with the first 1,000 kilometers being particularly crucial. Firstly, the load on the car should not be too heavy. For example, having all five seats occupied and the trunk fully packed with luggage would constitute an excessive load. This can lead to premature and abnormal wear on the engine, which is detrimental to the break-in process. In severe cases, it may even cause abnormal vibrations in the engine and transmission. Driving a new car on the highway helps to clear carbon deposits from the engine because, during the break-in period, prolonged slow-speed driving can easily lead to carbon buildup in the engine. This advice is not only applicable to new cars but also to vehicles frequently driven in congested areas. If you don't have the time or opportunity to drive on the highway, you can adopt a high-rev driving style on city roads to reduce the formation of carbon deposits.

[LailaFitz]

I also struggled with this after getting my new car last year. The first 1,000 kilometers are considered the golden run-in period. Although manufacturing precision has improved nowadays, it's still better to take it easy on the highway. Both the transmission gears and engine need a smooth break-in period. It's recommended not to continuously drive at 120km/h for more than two hours within the first 500 kilometers. However, occasional short highway trips are completely fine and can even help test the vehicle's stability. Pay attention to the temperature display on the dashboard - new brake pads need an adaptation period, so it's best to test the braking force in advance on the ramp. Personally, I didn't start doing long-distance driving until after the first maintenance service, as safety always comes first.

[RafaelDella]

Running a new car on the highway depends on the situation. Like the SUV I bought last year, the salesperson said modern engines undergo cold running-in before leaving the factory, and highway driving actually helps remove carbon deposits. However, two extremes should be avoided: don't drive at low speeds in high gears for extended periods, and don't frequently floor the accelerator for sudden acceleration. Key checks include tire pressure and coolant, as new car tire pressure is often too high and needs adjustment. It's recommended not to exceed 100 km/h within the first 300 kilometers to allow all components to fully lubricate. When driving on the highway, shift gears more frequently to allow the transmission to break in properly, especially for manual transmissions where this detail is particularly important.

[DiKyle]

Modern car manufacturing processes have evolved significantly, allowing me to hit the highway on the very day I picked up my new car. However, it's important to note that new brake discs require over 300 kilometers to reach optimal performance, and sudden braking can be risky. For automatic transmission vehicles, avoid continuous braking during long descents within the first 500 kilometers, while manual transmission cars should shift gears more frequently to properly break in the gears. It's recommended to maintain speeds between 90-110 km/h during the initial break-in period on highways, with continuous driving not exceeding 2 hours to allow the engine to rest. Only after the oil temperature stabilizes should you consider higher RPMs, and remember to promptly schedule the first maintenance to replace any metal debris.

[VanEvangeline]

As a car owner with ten years of driving experience, there are nuances to running a new car on the highway. Avoid high-speed driving within the first 200 kilometers to allow rubber components like suspension bushings to fully settle. After that, it's best to keep the engine RPM below 3,000 when driving on the highway, which helps with both breaking in the engine and protecting its components. Pay special attention to three things: whether the oil pressure remains stable, the working condition of the cooling system, and the tire balance. I make it a habit to stop multiple times at highway service areas during the break-in period to inspect the chassis for any fluid leaks. It's advisable to avoid using cruise control until after the break-in period.