How long after purchasing a new car can it be driven on the highway?
4 Answers
New cars can be driven on the highway at any time, just avoid operating the engine at excessively high RPMs during driving. New vehicles still require a break-in period, and here are the usage methods during this period: 1. Pre-warm the cold engine to reduce wear; 2. Shift gears promptly while driving—during the break-in period, it's essential to change gears appropriately to avoid situations of high gear with low RPM or low gear with high RPM; 3. Timely maintenance is necessary for new cars during the break-in phase. Driving a car requires the owner to familiarize themselves with aspects such as the vehicle's brakes, throttle, suspension, steering response, and gear-shifting logic to better understand its performance.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, let me share some insights. New cars actually undergo cold run-in at the factory, so theoretically they can handle highway speeds right out of the dealership. But I prefer to let them adapt gradually. The first 500 kilometers are crucial - highway driving is fine, but don't push beyond 140 km/h or rev the engine into the 4000 rpm red zone. Remember to vary the engine speed occasionally; avoid using cruise control for hours at a stretch. Tires and brakes need a few days to break in - it's best to take several city turns first. Before long trips, thoroughly check tire pressure and fluid levels, and always carry a warning triangle. Follow the manual's recommendation: wait until after 1000 km before driving aggressively - it's better for the vehicle's longevity.
I just picked up my new car this year and hit the highway on the third day. Nowadays, car engines undergo cold run-in tests before leaving the factory, so the parts are already finely matched. Just avoid stomping on the accelerator to keep the RPM below 4000, and it's fine to drive at the speed limit. For the first 300 kilometers, it's best to vary your speed and take breaks by entering and exiting service areas frequently. The braking system also needs an adaptation period—lightly pressing the brakes a few times before applying full force is safer. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge to prevent overheating, maintain a safe distance, and avoid sudden braking. I used up my first tank of fuel on the highway, and now at 20,000 kilometers, the car is still running smoothly.
I remember when I picked up my car last year, the manual clearly stated the break-in recommendations. Nowadays, most new cars can directly drive on highways, but within the first 1,000 kilometers, gentle driving is required. Avoid using sport mode and flooring the accelerator on highways, and keep the sustained RPM below 3,500. Particularly, avoid prolonged cruise control; it's better to slightly vary the speed every 20 to 30 minutes. Tires need about 200 kilometers to fully conform to the road surface, so avoid aggressive cornering in the first few days. Brake pads also require some mileage to reach their optimal performance. Once, I took the highway on the very day I picked up my car and made sure to switch drivers with my colleague, which is better for the gearbox break-in.
