How many kilometers should a new car drive before going on the highway?
2 Answers
New cars require a break-in period, so it is recommended to drive on the highway only after the break-in period or after the first maintenance. The first maintenance is usually at 3,000 kilometers or 3 months. If you must drive a new car on the highway directly, remember to control the speed and RPM properly. Here are some precautions for new cars: 1. Note 1: The key during the break-in period is to maintain a steady speed—avoid sudden acceleration or braking and high RPMs. After the break-in period, it is necessary to drive on the highway. 2. Note 2: Additionally, pay attention to any unusual noises or installation issues with components, which should be addressed for free during the first maintenance. 3. Note 3: The quality of the break-in period will significantly impact the car's lifespan, safety, and overall performance.
When I first bought my new car, I also struggled with how soon I could take it on the highway. Based on my experience, it's safer to wait until the car has run about 1,000 kilometers before hitting the highway. This is mainly due to the break-in period—the internal engine components need time to adapt to each other, and driving a few hundred kilometers on city roads helps smooth them out. For the first month, I only drove short distances, keeping the speed below 80 km/h, avoiding rapid acceleration or hard braking. After 1,000 kilometers, I tried the highway and felt the engine ran much smoother, with more stable fuel consumption. Taking the highway too early can cause excessive wear on new components under high RPM, potentially shortening their lifespan. I recommend new car owners be patient and wait until the mileage is sufficient before enjoying highway driving—it’ll help your car last longer.
