Should a new car be driven at high speeds and at what mileage should it start?

[BrookeAnn]

Avoid driving a new car at high speeds, but it can be done after about 5,000 kilometers. Reasons are as follows: During the break-in period of a new car, high-speed driving above 90 km/h should be avoided. When the new car has been driven for about 5,000 kilometers and is about to complete the break-in period, the owner can briefly run the engine above 4,000 RPM to reduce carbon buildup and improve engine performance. Other break-in considerations for new cars: A new car during the break-in period should avoid fully loaded driving because excessive load increases the burden on the engine and transmission, causing the engine to output excessive power and leading to excessive wear of components. Therefore, owners should be aware of their car's maximum load capacity and avoid fully loaded driving during the break-in period to extend the vehicle's lifespan. Owners should also avoid prolonged use of low gears and intentionally allow each gear to undergo the break-in process. For automatic transmission models, although the manual gear shifting break-in process is eliminated, owners should accelerate continuously under good road conditions to allow the transmission to shift up smoothly and avoid insufficient break-in of higher gears.

[RoseDella]

When I first bought my car, experienced drivers told me that a new car needs to be 'run in' at high speed, suggesting I drive around 1500 km to test it. I took their advice and hit 120 km/h on the highway, revving the engine to over 4000 RPM. It felt like the engine responded quicker and the throttle became lighter. However, when I later checked the owner's manual, it clearly stated to avoid high-load operation during the break-in period and recommended gentle driving for the first 1000 km. In reality, modern car manufacturing technology is advanced, and engines are already precision-tested at the factory. Deliberately running at high speeds might actually cause early wear—for example, high RPMs before the piston rings are fully seated can increase friction. Not to mention the safety risks: new brake systems or tires that aren't properly broken in can lead to loss of control during sharp turns at high speeds. My advice is to combine personal habits with the manual's guidance, rather than blindly following outdated practices. Stick to the manufacturer's instructions and prioritize regular maintenance—it's far more practical.

[VanLayla]

To be honest, the topic of running in a new car at high speeds is a bit cliché. From a technical perspective, in the past, vehicles were crudely manufactured, requiring manual high-speed runs to break in engine components, much like breaking in a new pair of shoes. But things are different now—most new cars come with precisely assembled parts right off the production line, eliminating the need for any extra hassle. If you're still keen on trying it, waiting until after you've driven about 1,500 kilometers is a safer bet, as the engine would have adapted by then, reducing risks. The key lies in your daily driving habits: avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking within the first 500 kilometers to allow the oil to circulate and lubricate properly. I've seen many friends push their new cars to high speeds prematurely, only to end up with engine warning lights or increased fuel consumption—hardly worth the trouble. It's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines, as requirements vary by brand, with some outright prohibiting high-load driving. On a related note, pay attention to the car's electrical system and tires as well, as they're more prone to issues at high speeds. In short, safety first—don't let outdated traditions mislead you.

[MacGideon]

When I was buying a car, my friend mentioned the need to 'run-in' the engine at high speeds, which left me confused. So I went to the dealership and asked the salesperson. He smiled and shook his head, saying that modern cars have advanced manufacturing processes and don't require deliberate high-speed running-in. Just drive normally during the break-in period of 500 to 1,000 kilometers, avoiding hard acceleration or sudden braking. He explained that while high-speed running-in isn't harmful, it's unnecessary. After 1,500 kilometers, driving on the highway is no problem at all. I found this explanation straightforward and practical, making me feel much more at ease. Now, I just drive my car normally and make sure to get the first service on time.

[OKatherine]

Regarding the practice of driving new cars at high speeds, I believe it requires careful consideration. When a car is brand new, components like brake pads and tires haven't fully broken in yet. Sudden braking or sharp turns at high speeds can easily lead to skidding, posing significant risks. I recommend prioritizing smooth, low-speed driving for the first 1,000 kilometers and considering highway driving only after the initial maintenance service, by which time the system will be more stable. Deliberately pushing a new car to high speeds offers little benefit and may instead accelerate engine wear. Manuals often advise avoiding high loads during the break-in period. Some owners do this to clean carbon deposits, but modern engines have strong sealing and rarely require such measures. More practically, paying extra attention to oil and tire checks during the initial period ensures safer driving.

[EdenFitz]

I've researched this issue for a while: The traditional view suggests running at high speeds to help with engine break-in, like how cars in the past were recommended to do so before reaching 2,000 kilometers. However, modern automotive manufacturing has advanced, with engines being pre-run-in at the factory, and manuals explicitly advise avoiding high RPMs and prolonged high speeds for the first 500 kilometers. Running at high speeds might temporarily improve throttle response or reduce some carbon buildup, but it could also damage the engine due to insufficient lubrication of new components. My personal advice is not to rush it; after 1,500 kilometers, if the car is performing normally, you can moderately try but don't exceed speed limits. The key is to consider the vehicle brand; some high-end cars have higher factory standards, making it completely unnecessary. Related risks like increased noise or fluctuating fuel consumption are things I've experienced. In summary, the balance lies in driving gently first and evaluating your needs after the break-in period.