Does the new Geely Binyue need a break-in period?
4 Answers
Geely Binyue new cars require a break-in period, which is typically 3,000 kilometers. The duration of the break-in period may vary depending on the frequency of car usage. Below are some precautions regarding the car break-in period: First Maintenance: When the car reaches 5,000 kilometers, the first maintenance should be performed. After the first maintenance, the car will reach its most balanced state. Avoid High-Speed Driving: During the break-in period, avoid driving at high RPMs, as this increases the engine's load. Not only does it raise fuel consumption, but it can also damage the engine and reduce its lifespan. Use High-Quality Fuel: During the break-in period, try to use high-quality fuel to keep the engine in good working condition. This not only speeds up engine lubrication but also extends the engine's lifespan.
I bought a Bin Yue last year and specifically asked the experienced technician at the 4S shop about the break-in period. He said cars are built more precisely now, but it's best to drive gently for the first 1,500 kilometers. I personally tested it—keeping the RPM below 3,000 for the first 500 km, avoiding full-throttle acceleration and hard braking. The main goal is to let the piston rings and cylinder walls naturally settle in, otherwise, oil burning might become an issue later. During the break-in period, it's important to let the engine rest—stopping for 20 minutes after every two hours of continuous driving. The transmission also needs time to adapt to different gears gradually. Tire pressure should be checked frequently since new tires haven't fully settled. After a proper break-in, the car indeed runs smoother, and fuel consumption dropped from 9L to 7.2L per 100 km.
Don't blindly trust the aggressive driving break-in methods mentioned online. I've studied the 1.4T engine in the Bin Yue. The first 800 kilometers are most critical - keep speed under 100 km/h and avoid fully loaded uphill driving. When cold starting, let the engine idle for 30 seconds before driving to allow oil to lubricate the entire cylinder block. On weekends, I specifically take highway trips for break-in, maintaining 80 km/h for half an hour before switching to regular roads. Don't just use automatic transmission mode; manually shift gears to ensure even wear across all components. Try to avoid highway cruising before the first maintenance to allow proper bedding of brake discs and pads. Now at 8,000 kilometers, there's absolutely no abnormal noise.
When I picked up my Binyue, the salesperson said there was no need for a deliberate break-in period, but I still took some precautions. For the first month, I avoided long-distance driving and intentionally took different routes during my daily commute to experience various road conditions. After starting the car, I refrained from stepping on the accelerator too hard, waiting until the water temperature reached 90 degrees before accelerating. During the first three cold starts in the garage, I paid special attention to letting the pistons fully expand and contract with heat. For the first three fuel refills, I used 95-octane gasoline to reduce carbon buildup. I kept the RPM below 3000 for the first 2000 kilometers, and now after the second maintenance, the power delivery is exceptionally smooth. I also avoided loading heavy items in the trunk to reduce the burden on the rear suspension.
