How many kilometers is the break-in period generally?
3 Answers
Break-in period mileage is generally 1,000~1,500 kilometers. Here are specific precautions during the car break-in period: 1. During the break-in period, avoid emergency braking as much as possible. Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system but also increases the impact load on the chassis and engine. 2. Avoid overloading. Running a new car at full load during the break-in period can cause damage to components. To reduce the load on the body and powertrain, choose relatively flat roads to avoid vibration, collision, or emergency braking. 3. Avoid long-distance driving. During the break-in period, long-distance driving increases the continuous working time of the engine, which can easily lead to component wear.
Having driven for decades, I've found that a break-in period of around 1,500 kilometers is quite common, especially for cars with older engine types. When you first start driving a new car, the engine components aren't fully lubricated yet, so it's best not to exceed 4,000 RPM or maintain prolonged hard acceleration to avoid excessive internal friction and wear. Take the car I bought back then as an example - I strictly followed the 1,500 km break-in before normal usage, and the engine definitely ran smoother afterward. Although many modern cars receive factory pre-treatment nowadays, I'd still recommend gentle driving for the first few hundred kilometers. After completing 1,500 km, you can drive more freely. This practice extends vehicle lifespan and reduces repair costs. If you drive excessively long distances on highways during early usage, premature wear may become more noticeable. Always check your owner's manual for model-specific break-in recommendations.
As a young person who just bought a new car, I feel the break-in period is much simpler now, usually just 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers. Last year when I got my new car, the manual stated that the first 1,000 kilometers were the break-in period, during which I should avoid sudden acceleration and high-speed cruising, keeping the RPM within a reasonable range. I drove gently like this for two weeks, not only saving some fuel but also feeling that the engine ran more smoothly. Modern car technology is advanced, and many don’t require strict break-in, but driving gently for a while does help, such as preventing premature wear of parts or unusual noises. If you often encounter city traffic jams, this phase is even easier to achieve—just maintain a steady speed without affecting daily commuting efficiency.
