Is an Engine Break-in Additive Necessary for the First Maintenance?
2 Answers
An engine break-in additive is not required for the first maintenance because the new car may have just passed or not yet passed the break-in period. At this stage, the new car is not suitable for using an engine break-in additive. The vehicle needs the driver to operate it correctly for a proper break-in, ensuring smoother performance in the future. Using a break-in additive at this stage would not only be wasteful but could also create dependency in the vehicle. The first maintenance refers to the initial service for the car, typically performed at 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. It is important to note that only an oil change and filter replacement are necessary. Basic vehicle inspections during the first maintenance include checking the car's coolant, fuel filter, air filter, power steering fluid, etc., to ensure they meet specifications.
I’ve always thought that adding engine oil break-in additives during a new car’s first service is a waste of money. Modern cars are built with such precision, and engines undergo cold break-in treatments before leaving the factory. Using the original factory oil is sufficient, as it already contains enough anti-wear additives to protect the new engine. The break-in period mainly involves driving 1,000–2,000 km to allow components to naturally wear in—adding extra additives doesn’t help much. On the contrary, improper additives might disrupt the oil balance or even clog oil passages. I’ve read reports stating that manufacturers generally don’t recommend it unless the manual specifically mentions it. Saving this money can be better spent on practical things, like a wheel alignment or upgrading to a better filter. What owners should focus on are the first oil change timing and checking for loose bolts—don’t fall for dealership upselling tactics that waste money and add long-term maintenance costs. Always check the vehicle manual first; blindly following trends just isn’t worth it.
