Is Break-in Additive Necessary for the First Car Maintenance?
3 Answers
Break-in additive is not required for the first car maintenance. Break-in additive is a lubricating additive with ultra-strong cleaning and dispersing effects, providing superior protection for engines during the break-in period, preventing common issues such as cylinder scuffing and bearing seizure. Car maintenance includes: 1. Changing engine oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, and engine air filter; 2. Checking fluid levels of coolant, battery electrolyte, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Inspecting brake and clutch fluid levels, as well as power steering fluid level; 4. Checking for oil leaks at all system pipe connections; 5. Inspecting front and rear lights; 6. Checking tire pressure and wear, tightening screws to specified torque.
Seeing this question suddenly reminds me of the dilemma I faced when picking up my new car. You absolutely don't need to add running-in compound for the first maintenance! Modern engines undergo precise cold running-in at the factory, with component fit already meeting standards. The core purpose of first maintenance is simply to replace the initial oil containing metal debris - adding running-in compound might actually interfere with the new oil's cleaning performance. The manufacturer's maintenance manual never mentions adding this, and dealership promotions are purely profit-driven. When the technician tried to upsell me during my third car's first service, I immediately flipped open the manual and saved myself 300 yuan. Just avoid aggressive driving during the break-in period - there's completely no need to pay this 'ignorance tax'.
Just helped my cousin deal with the first maintenance issue for his new car. It's really unnecessary to add break-in additives for the first maintenance, as modern engines have high machining precision with precisely controlled clearances. The factory-fill oil already contains break-in formulations specifically designed for initial wear. Adding break-in additives might disrupt the oil's chemical balance and affect lubrication. The focus of first maintenance should be on changing the oil and oil filter, and inspecting the chassis and electrical system. Last week, my cousin was persuaded by the 4S shop to add break-in additives, but when he later consulted the manufacturer's customer service, they clearly stated it wasn't on the maintenance checklist. Driving gently for the first 2,000 kilometers and keeping the RPM below 4,000 is more effective than any additives.
