How to Break in a New Automatic Transmission Car on the Highway?

[JulietteFitz]

Here are the techniques for breaking in a new automatic transmission car on the highway: 1. Keep the car under a certain load, which means you can carry a few passengers or some cargo. 2. Most automatic transmission cars are equipped with a manual mode. If you have enough experience, it's best to start in manual mode. Switch from automatic to manual mode and let the car run for a while. When breaking in on the highway, start in manual mode and shift up one gear at a time. After running approximately 20 kilometers, switch back to D mode. You will clearly feel that the automatic shifting in D mode is different from before, and the car's power will also increase. After switching to D mode, run another 20 kilometers. At that point, the car will be truly broken in on the highway, and you can clearly feel the difference. 3. After breaking in on the highway and ensuring the fuel injectors are properly atomized, the car will become very fuel-efficient. Precautions for breaking in an automatic transmission car on the highway: 1. Breaking in on the highway must be done after the break-in period and after changing the oil. During the break-in period, the oil contains many tiny metal particles. If the engine runs at high speeds, it can damage the cylinder walls, so this needs to be noted. 2. Breaking in on the highway does not mean pushing the engine to its maximum speed. Instead, it involves matching each gear with the engine's RPM. Taking a manual transmission as an example, maintain second gear at around 4,000 RPM for 3-5 minutes, then third gear at around 4,000 RPM for 3-5 minutes, and so on. However, in higher gears, remember not to accelerate further once the speed reaches 120 km/h to ensure driving safety. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times, and the entire process can be concluded. 3. If the car is an automatic transmission model but has a manual mode, you can try breaking in on the highway. Otherwise, it is unnecessary because the gear changes in an automatic transmission are based on the engine's RPM. At high speeds, the transmission is mostly in the highest gear, making such breaking-in procedures less meaningful.

[VanCarlos]

I just picked up a new automatic car and was extra cautious on the highway because new cars require a break-in period. For the first one to two thousand kilometers, avoid driving too fast and keep the speed under 100 km/h. The automatic transmission is very convenient—just shift to D (Drive) and start smoothly, avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking. On the highway, remember to use cruise control to reduce foot fatigue and maintain a safe following distance of at least three car lengths to prevent accidents. During the break-in phase, it’s best to keep the engine RPM below 3,000 to allow the pistons and cylinders to gradually adapt, reducing wear and extending the car’s lifespan. Before driving my new car, I checked the tire pressure and coolant level, ensuring a smooth journey. I also recommend taking a break every half hour to avoid fatigue. Once properly broken in, the car will be more fuel-efficient and economical for long-distance trips.