Should a New Car Be Driven at High Speed for a Break-in?
3 Answers
New cars need to be driven at high speed for a break-in. Reason: Driving at high speed means increasing the engine's RPM, but safety must be prioritized. The actual purpose of driving at high speed is to use high RPM to circulate the engine oil rapidly, flushing out carbon deposits accumulated at the bottom. New cars do require this process to significantly enhance engine performance. The best time for this is right after the break-in period. Optimal Timing for High-Speed Break-in: Generally, the best time to drive at high speed is after the first maintenance and oil change at the 4S dealership. During the high-speed break-in, maintain each gear at around 4000 RPM for a period to allow the engine to operate at high speeds. Gradually following this process will result in noticeable improvements in acceleration and fuel efficiency.
I've been driving for decades and have some insights on breaking in new cars. Conventional wisdom suggests that new cars need to 'stretch their legs' on the highway to help internal engine components wear in smoothly. High-speed driving increases engine RPM and temperature, which can promote better mating between piston rings and cylinder walls, clear initial carbon deposits, and make the engine run more smoothly. This was indeed necessary for older cars due to less precise manufacturing. However, modern engines are highly precise, with many pre-adjusted at the factory, and manuals may not mention any requirements. If you're concerned, I recommend taking a highway run within the first 1,000 kilometers or so—nothing too aggressive, keeping speeds around 100 km/h to avoid prolonged high-speed wear risks. In short, it's not mandatory, but doing it won't hurt. The key is to follow the manual's guidance and avoid unnecessary engine stress.
I'm a car enthusiast who often researches new car technologies. Regarding 'running in at high speeds,' the modern view is that most new car engines have advanced manufacturing processes, with the break-in period completed at the factory, eliminating the need for intentional high-speed running-in. In fact, high-speed driving of a new car may increase the risk of early wear, such as excessive engine load or thermal runaway. I've reviewed some manufacturer manuals, like those from Toyota and Volkswagen, which recommend avoiding extreme driving in the early stages, such as rapid acceleration or high-speed cruising. A better approach is to diversify daily driving and avoid constant RPMs. The focus of the break-in period should be allowing the engine to gradually adapt, and it's advisable to read the vehicle's manual for specific break-in guidelines. There's no need to blindly follow traditional advice, as new designs have already been optimized.
