How long is it recommended to wait before taking a new car on the highway?
4 Answers
There is no specific time restriction for taking a new car on the highway, but according to the latest traffic regulations, new drivers have a 12-month probationary period. During this probationary period, drivers are not allowed to drive alone on highways and must be accompanied by someone with more than three years of driving experience. During the break-in period, prolonged slow-speed driving can easily lead to carbon buildup in the engine, necessitating a high-speed run. Here are a few key points to consider when performing a high-speed run: 1. Drive at low speed with high engine RPM, shifting gears only when the engine exceeds 3,000 RPM. 2. For automatic transmission vehicles, switch to "manual mode" or use lower gears to adjust. 3. Maintain engine RPM between 3,000 and 5,000.
I recommend not rushing to take a new car on the highway right away. It's better to drive it for a break-in period of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers first. This phase is like an adaptation period for humans—the internal engine components need time to gradually wear in together. Running at high RPMs for extended periods can easily cause abnormal wear. On the highway, speeds are higher, and the new brake pads and tires also need time to adapt. Just last week, I saw a new driver take their brand-new car straight onto the highway, and the brakes were squealing. Actually, many new cars now undergo cold break-in at the factory, but to be safe, it’s still best to complete the break-in period before hitting the highway. During this time, drive more on city roads, avoid full loads or towing, and keep speeds under 100 km/h for the best results.
The owner's manual usually specifies the break-in requirements. German cars generally require 1,500 kilometers, while many Japanese models only need 500 kilometers. The most crucial point for driving a new car on the highway is to avoid sudden acceleration by aggressively pressing the throttle and to prevent hard braking. Tires come with a rust-proof coating from the factory, and it takes about 500 kilometers of driving for the brakes to perform at their best. Once, I took my brand-new car straight onto the highway, and the steering felt a bit heavy. On long trips, it's advisable to take a break every two hours to let the engine rest. Modern cars have ECUs with adaptive functions, but maintaining a constant speed of 120 km/h for too long can actually lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves.
When I first got the car, I couldn't resist the itch and hit the highway in the third week. Covered 120 kilometers at a steady 110 mph—felt pretty stable. Truth is, the engine isn't that fragile; just avoid revving past 4,000 rpm. My neighbor took his Sagitar on the highway the very next day, and it's still running fine at 50,000 km. But don't follow his example of cramming six people and a trunk full of luggage while flooring it uphill—new suspensions really can't handle that. Short highway trips are fine, but for anything over 500 km, it's better to wait until after the 2,000 km mark.
