How Many Kilometers Can a New Car Drive on the Highway?
3 Answers
A new car can be driven on the highway after covering more than 100 kilometers. Here are the relevant details: 1. New cars during the break-in period: For new cars in the break-in period, whether driving in high or low gear, the engine speed should not exceed 3,000 rpm, and the maximum speed should be controlled at around 100-110 km/h. 2. Precautions: Start smoothly, avoid sudden acceleration or braking while driving. Maintain proper tire pressure and avoid overloading the vehicle. Driving long distances during the break-in period increases the engine's continuous working time, so it is recommended to take a break every 2 hours at a service area.
Last time I just picked up my new car, the sales consultant said that car manufacturing technology has been upgraded now, and cold running-in has been done before leaving the factory, so driving on the highway on the same day is completely fine. However, for the first 1,000 kilometers, you should still drive gently, especially avoid keeping the RPM above 3,000 for a long time. When driving on the highway, it is recommended to maintain a speed of around 90-100 km/h, and avoid using the cruise control function, as letting the speed fluctuate naturally is better for the engine. Also, remember that the brakes are not fully run-in in the first three days, and the braking distance will be about 20% longer than usual, so keeping a sufficient following distance is safer. Don’t overload the trunk either, as excessive load will increase the burden on the suspension.
Actually, new cars can be driven on highways at any time, but the driving style during the break-in period is crucial. Based on my experience driving many new cars, the first 500 kilometers are the golden break-in period. During this phase, it's best to avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking—maintaining a steady speed is actually better for the engine. On highways, try to avoid exceeding 3,000 RPM, as tires and brake pads also need about 200 kilometers to reach optimal performance. Additionally, I’d like to remind new car owners not to rev the engine aggressively during cold starts, and always check coolant and oil levels before long trips—these small details can significantly extend the vehicle's lifespan.
