Is the Break-in Additive Necessary for the First Maintenance?
3 Answers
Break-in additive is not necessary for the first maintenance. More knowledge about break-in additives is as follows: 1. A break-in additive is a lubricating additive with ultra-strong cleaning and dispersing effects, providing superior protection for engines during the break-in period, preventing common issues such as "cylinder scuffing," "bearing seizure," and early wear. 2. Functions of break-in additives: Reduce wear between engine components, significantly enhancing their anti-wear capability during the break-in period. Improve lubrication, making the rough surfaces of components smoother. Minimize friction between parts, thereby reducing wear. Effectively clean and disperse contaminants, inhibit sludge and carbon deposit formation. Prevent oil oxidation and thickening at high temperatures, thus extending the oil's service life.
Having driven for over a decade, I genuinely believe that break-in additives during a new car's first maintenance are unnecessary. Modern engines are manufactured with such high precision that they come pre-run-in from the factory, and the engine oil already contains sufficient protective components. If the dealership pushes these additives, it's mostly a profit-driven tactic—you might just be wasting money. I recommend sticking to the manual for the first maintenance, where changing the oil and filter is what truly matters. During the break-in period, simply avoid excessively high RPMs and sudden acceleration while driving. Saving this money and putting it towards regular maintenance is far more cost-effective. Remember, today's automotive technology is advanced; over-maintenance can actually cause more harm than good.
As a frequent visitor to automotive forums, my take on break-in additives is – they're unnecessary. The focus of a new car's first service should be on oil changes. Break-in additives are expensive with limited effectiveness, and online tests show they offer minimal engine protection improvements. Many experienced drivers also say modern cars don't require forced break-in periods, as engines are factory-optimized. It's better to spend that money on quality oil or future maintenance. I've reviewed manufacturer recommendations too – most brands don't mandate break-in additives; it's purely marketing. Practicing gentle driving and avoiding high speeds or heavy loads during the first 2,000 km is far more practical.
