How long should you wait before taking a new car on the highway?

[Gabriel]

A new car can be taken on the highway at any time, as long as you avoid running the engine at excessively high RPMs during the drive. Below are some precautions for taking a new car on the highway: Avoid excessively high RPMs: New cars have a break-in period after purchase. During this period, the car can be driven on the highway, but you should avoid running the engine at excessively high RPMs. Running the engine at high RPMs during the break-in period can increase engine wear. After the break-in period, it is recommended to take the car on the highway to enhance engine performance. Post-break-in inspection: After the initial break-in period, the components of the new car's engine begin to operate more smoothly. Taking the car on the highway and maintaining high RPMs for a period of time can help test the engine's performance under extreme conditions, expanding the components' tolerance for tensile, compressive, impact, and torsional stresses.

[KiaraLynn]

I remember specifically asking the technician at the 4S dealership when I picked up my new car. He said nowadays cars undergo cold break-in at the factory, but it's still better to drive gently for the first 500 kilometers. Once you reach around 800 kilometers, the engine pistons and cylinder walls will be properly broken in, making highway driving much safer. I once took my new car on the highway just three days after purchase and noticed significantly higher fuel consumption—later realizing it was due to incomplete break-in. I'd suggest waiting at least a week and completing the first few hundred kilometers of daily driving before the initial maintenance, allowing the transmission gears to fully mesh. During this period, avoid sudden acceleration and keep RPMs below 3,000—this is particularly important for extending engine lifespan.

[OBella]

As someone who frequently interacts with cars, I believe the key to breaking in a new car lies in gradual progression. Today's manufacturing standards are vastly superior to those of twenty years ago, but mechanical components still need to establish optimal clearance fits. The first 300 kilometers are ideally spent commuting in urban areas, allowing the brake discs and clutch plates to fully adapt. After 500 kilometers, you can attempt short highway trips, but avoid using cruise control—actively accelerate and decelerate to vary the load. I've seen many owners pushing their new cars to 120 km/h on the very first day, only to encounter premature engine noises. Before long-distance trips, always check the tire pressure, as new tires also require a break-in period. This step-by-step approach is more scientifically sound.

[Herb]

Our family debated this when we last bought a new car. The repair shop owner advised running at least a full tank of gas (about 500 km) before highway driving. During this period, it's crucial to avoid sudden braking to allow proper bedding-in of brake pads and rotors. At the first maintenance when we removed the oil pan, vehicles treated gently during break-in showed significantly fewer metal shavings. While modern technology allows highway driving immediately after purchase, it's still best to keep speed below 100 km/h, engine RPM under 2,500, and limit continuous driving to 2 hours. This genuinely helps extend component lifespan.

[TimothyDella]

From a mechanical perspective, the core contradiction of a new car running at high speeds lies in the high-temperature and high-pressure environment. The finely machined surfaces inside the engine have microscopic irregularities, and the first 200 kilometers of operation will generate metal shavings. Aggressive driving can exacerbate wear from these shavings. I recommend completing at least three thermal cycles—driving until the engine is fully cooled before restarting—so that all components can achieve optimal clearance. Before hitting the highway, also check that all fluid levels are within the normal range. Although the manual may say it's fine to drive immediately, it's safer to wait until after the first 300 kilometers to allow the chassis and suspension to fully break in before taking long trips.