Should New Cars Be Driven at High Speeds?
2 Answers
New cars do not necessarily need to be driven at high speeds. Driving at high speeds is meant to help the car reach its optimal state earlier, but it is not necessary to deliberately run at very high speeds for break-in purposes. After a new car reaches 3,000 kilometers, it is recommended to drive on expressways or highways twice a month. For example, maintain a relatively high speed, such as 120 km/h, for about ten minutes, then slow down for a while before accelerating again. For manual transmission or semi-automatic cars, using high RPMs in lower gears can also achieve the break-in effect, although fuel consumption will be higher. For safety reasons, avoid driving excessively fast just for the sake of high-speed break-in. Normal driving can also help the car reach its optimal state—it’s just a matter of time.
I believe that taking a new car on the highway is indeed beneficial for engine break-in. As a car owner, I've noticed that after leaving the factory, internal engine components like piston rings and metal surfaces still have minor imperfections that require time to smooth out. Appropriately driving on the highway, such as maintaining a steady speed of 80-100 km/h for half an hour, can help polish these imperfections, improving sealing and fuel efficiency. Although modern engine technology is advanced, it's still advisable to be gentle during the first 1,000-2,000 kilometers: avoid sudden acceleration or prolonged idling, and gradually increase the load. This approach isn't too aggressive—just drive as you would during a normal long-distance trip. Skipping the break-in process might lead to slightly higher fuel consumption or reduced engine lifespan. Don't believe the myth that you need to speed; a calm driving style can make the car run smoother in the long term, lowering maintenance costs. I recommend scheduling at least one highway trip during the break-in period.
