Is Engine Shaking Normal During the Break-in Period of a New Car?
2 Answers
Engine shaking during the break-in period of a new car is normal. Here are the specific reasons for engine shaking during this period: 1. The engine may experience slight shaking when starting. If you purchase a 3-cylinder engine, shaking may occur during operation due to mechanical movement. The more cylinders an engine has, the smoother it will run, but this also comes with higher fuel consumption and engine costs. 2. Shaking during idling depends on the severity of the shaking. You can determine whether the engine shaking is normal by observing the intermittency of the idling shake. If the idling is steady and regular, it is normal. However, if the idle speed is unstable and the RPM needle fluctuates up and down, it indicates abnormal car shaking. 3. During a cold start, engine shaking decreases as the water temperature rises. If the shaking persists after the water temperature normalizes, it may be due to other reasons, and a timely inspection is necessary.
As a new car owner, I was a bit unsettled by slight engine vibrations during the break-in period. The 4S店 technicians explained this is normal as internal components like piston rings and bearings are still adapting and not fully lubricated. However, they cautioned that severe shaking with noise or warning lights could indicate issues like ignition system failure or fuel line blockage. Their advice: drive gently during break-in (avoid hard acceleration/high RPMs) to ensure even engine wear, check oil levels regularly, and expect vibrations to diminish after ~1,000km. If persistent, prioritize professional inspection – safety first. These insights helped me confidently maintain my新车's long-term performance while preventing unexpected failures.