Is it okay to run in a new car for 1,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
Running in a new car for 1,000 kilometers is acceptable, as the typical break-in period ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. Below are precautions to take during the break-in period of a new car: 1. Warm up before starting: Turn the key to the second position and wait for 5-10 seconds before starting. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump begins working to adjust oil pressure and fuel injection, which helps protect the new car's engine. 2. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only shocks the braking system during break-in but also increases the impact load on the chassis and engine. 3. Avoid overloading: Running a new car at full capacity during the break-in period can damage mechanical components. Additionally, to reduce the load on the body and powertrain, choose relatively flat driving surfaces to avoid vibrations and impacts. 4. Avoid long-distance trips: Taking long trips during the break-in period increases the continuous operating time of the engine, which can easily lead to mechanical wear.
I remember being torn over this issue when I bought my first new car. The technician at the 4S店 told me that the break-in period has indeed been shortened nowadays, and 1,000 kilometers is basically enough. However, the key is to avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, and try to keep the RPM below 3,000. Once, I drove a friend’s newly purchased car and deliberately ran it at different speeds on the highway: 60 km/h for half an hour, then 80 km/h for another half hour. This helps the piston rings and cylinders to better align. Oh, and also pay attention to the engine oil—in the first few hundred kilometers, there will be metal shavings in the oil. If it exceeds the limit, you should change it early. Although the manual says you can drive normally, I suggest avoiding full-load uphill climbs in the first three days, as the transmission gears are also adapting to each other.
Last week, I just helped my cousin break in his new car. I told him to focus on three key points: the first 500 kilometers are the most critical, always wait for the RPM to stabilize after a cold start before driving, and use manual mode in traffic to avoid low gear with high RPM. I've seen people who floored it to 120 km/h right after picking up the car, and ended up with constant engine knocking. Actually, with today's advanced manufacturing technology, piston clearances are as tight as one-tenth of a hair's width, and 1,000 kilometers is enough for all components to find their optimal positions. A special reminder: don't slam the brakes in rainy weather, as brake discs and pads also need breaking in—it's best to maintain a safe distance and brake gently. Remember, the oil drained during the first service will be full of shiny metal particles.
