Is It Necessary to Run a New Automatic Transmission Car at High Speed?
3 Answers
New cars do not need to be run at high speeds. When using a new car, users should avoid operating it under high-speed and high-load conditions, as this can be harmful to the engine. The best way to break in a new car is to drive it under normal operating conditions. Here are some precautions to consider when running a new car at high speed: Too light or too heavy a load: When running a new car at high speed, it must be done under full load; otherwise, the effort will be in vain. Therefore, follow the vehicle's full-load mass as specified in the manual and gather enough people. If you can't find enough people, you can add weight to the trunk. Running before the first maintenance: Many new drivers lack experience and knowledge about running a car at high speed. They might think about taking their new car out for a high-speed run shortly after getting it, unaware that this can cause significant damage to the vehicle.
I used to buy a new automatic car and initially thought I needed to drive it at high speeds to break in the engine. However, after reading the owner’s manual, I learned that modern car manufacturing technology has advanced, and components are finely processed before leaving the factory, eliminating the need for intentional high-speed driving. Think about it—modern engines are designed smarter, with computer control systems adjusting the break-in process. If you force high-speed driving, it might actually increase unnecessary wear or waste fuel. A friend of mine complained about increased noise after driving at high speeds, but in reality, keeping a steady driving style is sufficient for a new car. Just avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking in the first few months. If you want to enjoy a weekend drive, testing it on a highway is fine, but it’s not mandatory. The key is regular maintenance and checking fluids to ensure the car stays in safe condition. In short, don’t be misled by outdated ideas—just drive your new car with peace of mind!
In my decade-plus experience of driving, there's absolutely no need to deliberately take a new automatic transmission car on high-speed runs. The reason is simple: modern vehicles already have all components, including the engine and transmission, properly broken in during the manufacturing process. The purpose of high-speed driving was to accelerate break-in, but today's car computers automatically optimize performance. Forcing high-speed runs might actually cause carbon buildup issues or premature component wear. I recommend mixing urban and suburban driving during the break-in period to let the system gradually adapt to different conditions. From a safety perspective, always check brakes, tires, and steering systems before taking a new car on highways—never risk safety for break-in purposes. Regular oil and filter changes are far more important for extending engine life. So just use your car normally with confidence—it's both worry-free and practical.
