Is it okay to drive an Audi new car at 120 km/h during the break-in period?
2 Answers
Audi new cars should not be driven at 120 km/h during the break-in period. For a new car in the break-in period, it is essential to control the driving speed and avoid excessively high speeds. The speed should preferably be maintained between 50 to 80 km/h. This is because the surfaces of various components in a new car are still relatively rough, and there may be certain deviations in processing and assembly, along with some hidden defects that are difficult to detect. High-speed driving can exacerbate wear between parts or lead to safety incidents. Precautions for the break-in period of a new car include: warming up the car before starting: wait for 5 to 10 seconds after engaging the second gear before starting; avoiding high-speed driving: there are speed limits for new cars during the break-in period, with domestic cars limited to 40 to 70 km/h and imported cars to 100 km/h; avoiding overloading: carrying too much weight in a new car during the break-in period can cause damage to the mechanical components.
From Audi's official recommendations, driving a new car at 120 km/h during the break-in period is not advised. I've reviewed several manuals, and the break-in period typically covers the first 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers. During this time, engine and transmission components are gradually adapting to higher loads. High-speed driving increases frictional heat, potentially causing excessive wear and affecting long-term performance. Although Audi models are precision-engineered, the manuals explicitly state to avoid exceeding half of the redline RPM—for example, keeping it below 3,000 RPM. At 120 km/h on highways, it's easy to surpass this limit. Additionally, drivetrain components like the differential also require gentle break-in. Sudden high-speed loads may damage unlubricated parts. A safer approach is to maintain speeds around 100 km/h for the first few weeks, gradually increasing velocity for smoother and more fuel-efficient long-term operation. Regularly checking the engine oil condition is also crucial during this phase, as pushing the car too hard early on isn’t worth the risk.
