How to Properly Break in a New Car During the Break-in Period?
2 Answers
New car break-in methods: 1. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only shocks the braking system during break-in but also increases the impact load on the chassis and engine. 2. Do not overload: Running a new car at full load during the break-in period can damage the components. Therefore, during the first 1,000 kilometers, the load should generally not exceed 75%-80% of the rated capacity. 3. Minimize long-distance trips: If a new car starts long-distance trips during the break-in period, the engine's continuous operation time will increase, which can easily cause component wear. 4. Avoid high-speed driving: New drivers taking a new car on the road should prioritize stability.
When I first got my new car, I was particularly careful during the break-in period, afraid of damaging the engine. For the first 500 kilometers, I drove very steadily: keeping highway speeds below 80 km/h, avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking in city driving, and maintaining engine RPM under 3000. Driving at a constant speed is ideal—using cruise control on highways works well, but stop-and-go city driving also helps with the break-in. Additionally, I took regular short trips, like commuting 10-20 kilometers daily, to let the engine gradually adapt. I checked the engine oil every 200 kilometers, as new engines might produce metal particles—changing the oil early helps remove them. After passing 1,000 kilometers, the car noticeably ran smoother, with more power and better fuel efficiency. It’s not difficult—just follow the manual step by step, and the key is to stay consistent and not slack off.
