Does driving a new car at 120 km/h on the highway affect the car?
3 Answers
Driving a new car at 120 km/h on the highway does affect the car because new cars are not supposed to reach 120 km/h on the highway during the break-in period. Below are some precautions during the break-in period for new cars: 1. Driving speed: Although new cars have undergone initial break-in at the factory, the surfaces of the parts are still relatively rough. During the break-in period, it is essential to control the driving speed and avoid high speeds. The recommended speed is between 50~80 km/h. 2. Throttle: Avoid pressing the accelerator too hard in a new car to ensure that components like pistons, cylinders, and other important parts increase their load gently. This allows the parts to fully contact, rub, adapt, and settle, improving their ability to adjust to the environment and smoothing out any rough edges on the components. The quality of the break-in process significantly impacts the car's lifespan, safety, and fuel efficiency.
As someone quite familiar with automotive mechanics, I can share some insights about the potential impacts of driving a new car at 120 km/h on highways. During the break-in period, typically the first 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers, the internal components of the engine haven't fully settled yet. Driving at 120 km/h right away can place excessive load on the engine, leading to premature wear of parts like piston rings and bearings. Although modern car technology is advanced, driving at 120 km/h once or twice might not show immediate issues, but doing so frequently can increase fuel consumption, shorten the vehicle's lifespan, and even cause minor vibrations or unusual noises in the long run. Don't forget that brakes and tires also need a break-in period. At high speeds, sudden situations may arise where braking might not be as responsive, posing safety risks. It's advisable to keep the speed under 100 km/h during the initial phase of a new car, avoid high RPMs, and allow the system to adapt before confidently driving at higher speeds. This approach ensures better durability over time.
I recently bought a new car and couldn't wait to test it on the highway at 120 km/h. The engine felt quite stable, and at the time, I thought the car was fine. However, not long after, I noticed a slight tremor in the steering wheel while driving. When I took it to the shop, the mechanic said it was due to uneven internal friction during the break-in period. Fortunately, it was adjusted in time without any major issues. Looking back now, a new car is like a new pair of shoes—it needs time to adapt. For the first few thousand kilometers, it's best to drive gently, keeping the speed between 90 and 100 km/h, and avoid prolonged high-speed operation. Driving at 120 km/h might not cause immediate damage, but doing so repeatedly can accelerate wear and tear, leading to higher costs for part replacements later. I've learned my lesson and now follow the manual's recommendations for a gradual break-in, ensuring the car runs more smoothly and reliably.
