Is Fuel Consumption Higher During the Car Break-in Period or After?
3 Answers
During the entire break-in period of a car, it is necessary to proceed step by step, control the speed and RPM properly, avoid aggressive driving, refrain from slamming the accelerator, and also avoid sudden braking and sharp steering. Generally, fuel consumption during the break-in period is relatively higher, about 1-2 units more than under normal conditions. Below is relevant information: Specific reasons: Mainly because the various components of a new car have not yet reached their optimal working state, and they are not smooth enough, resulting in greater frictional resistance, making the car harder to drive and thus relatively more fuel-consuming. However, after the break-in period, fuel consumption will decrease. Precautions: During the break-in period of a new car, try to maintain a steady speed and avoid overloading. For manual transmission models, timely and appropriate gear shifting is necessary to avoid high gears at low speeds and low gears at high speeds. Also, avoid driving in the same gear for extended periods, as this allows for more thorough break-in of the engine and transmission. As for the selection and replacement of engine oil, it is recommended to refer to the car's manual.
To be honest, I've noticed that fuel consumption during the break-in period is usually higher than after. In the first 1,000-2,000 kilometers, the metal components inside the engine are still wearing in, just like breaking in new shoes - there's more friction resistance, which naturally increases fuel consumption. I remember when I first got my SUV, it was consuming up to 10L/100km in city driving, which really hurt my wallet. But after the break-in period, the same route dropped to about 8L, much smoother. Also, driving gently during break-in - avoiding hard acceleration or sudden braking - helps the engine adapt faster. Road conditions matter too, highways are much more fuel-efficient than congested urban roads. Regular maintenance helps stabilize fuel consumption too, especially checking tire pressure and engine oil. In short, endure the initial high-consumption phase, and you'll save both trouble and money later.
Fuel consumption during the break-in period is generally higher, and it usually drops back to normal after the break-in. For example, when I used my new car for daily commuting, it consumed 1 to 2 liters more per 100 kilometers, mainly because the engine components weren't fully smoothed out, and efficiency hadn't improved yet. If you drive long distances or encounter heavy traffic with poor road conditions, the difference becomes even more noticeable. I recommend paying attention to the fuel gauge during the break-in period and developing habits like gentle acceleration and smooth driving—for instance, maintaining a speed between 60 to 80 km/h and using the air conditioning sparingly. After this phase, fuel consumption tends to stabilize. Also, check tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption. Don't worry too much about long-term issues—most new cars behave this way, and things improve significantly after the first maintenance.
