Is Break-in Necessary for a New Car?
2 Answers
Break-in is necessary for a new car. Here are the relevant materials about new car break-in: 1. A newly purchased car requires break-in. The quality of the break-in will have a significant impact on the car's lifespan, safety, and fuel economy. 2. The most important aspect during the break-in period is to limit the engine's RPM. Excessive RPM during break-in may increase the risk of piston ring damage. 3. The break-in period is divided into three stages: initial, middle, and final: 1) Initial stage: Generally, the maximum speed should be controlled at around 40km/h. 2) Middle stage: Under good road conditions, the maximum speed can be increased to 60km/h. 3) Final stage: The speed can then be raised to around 80km/h. During the break-in period, maintain moderate speed - neither too high nor too low, as excessively low speed will increase fuel consumption.
When I bought a car before, I also pondered about the break-in period. It wasn't until I consulted an experienced mechanic that I realized times have changed. Cars nowadays are manufactured with much higher precision than twenty years ago. Many engines undergo cold break-in tests at the factory, just like athletes warming up before a competition. However, the manual still recommends driving gently for the first 1,500 kilometers, especially avoiding full throttle in the first 500 kilometers and keeping the RPM below 3,000. From my experience, it's best not to climb long slopes with a full load and to brake gently. Once, I rushed onto the highway with a heavy load, and as a result, my new car consumed half a liter more fuel than others in the first six months. Although new cars today aren't as delicate, it's like breaking in new shoes—being cautious in the initial period definitely doesn't hurt.
