How Many Kilometers Does a New Car Need to Complete the Break-in Period?
2 Answers
A new car requires 5000 kilometers to complete the break-in period. The methods for using a car during the break-in period are: 1. Preheat the cold car. Properly warming up the car allows the engine oil to lubricate the engine effectively, reducing wear. 2. Shift gears promptly while driving, especially for manual transmission cars. During the break-in period, it is necessary to change gears reasonably to avoid situations of high gear with low RPM or low gear with high RPM while driving. 3. New cars need timely maintenance during the break-in period. Driving a car requires the owner to be familiar with the car's braking, throttle, shock absorption, steering force, and gear-shifting logic to better understand the car's performance.
I've been driving for decades, and the break-in period for a new car typically lasts around 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers before it's basically over. In the first few weeks, I drive extra carefully, keeping the speed under 80 km/h and avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking. This is mainly to allow the engine components to wear in smoothly, as new parts are rough and prone to friction-related issues. After 1,500 kilometers, the car noticeably feels more responsive, and fuel consumption stabilizes. Remember to do a minor service at the end of the break-in period—change the oil to clear out any metal particles, which can help extend the car's lifespan. Although modern cars have advanced technology, it's still safer to drive conservatively for the first 2,000 kilometers before pushing it harder—safety comes first. When I first bought it, I took a few short trips on national highways, which was both effortless and safe.
