Should You Drive at High Speed Before or After the First Maintenance?

[JakeRose]

It is recommended to drive at high speed after the first maintenance for the following reasons: 1. To enhance engine performance; 2. To clean the engine's oil passages and cylinders. The first maintenance refers to preventive work that involves inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. The documents required for the first maintenance include: the car maintenance manual, the owner's ID card, and the vehicle license. The tasks involved in the first maintenance are: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, and engine air filter; 2. Checking the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Checking the fluid levels of the brake and clutch systems, as well as the power steering fluid reservoir; 4. Inspecting all oil pipe connections for leaks; 5. Checking the front and rear lights; 6. Checking tire pressure and wear, and tightening screws to the specified torque.

[LeCarlos]

I've been driving for over a decade, and every time I buy a new car, I take it on a high-speed run before the first maintenance. This helps the engine break in more smoothly during the early stages, ensuring better contact between the piston rings and cylinder walls, and clearing out any residual debris from the manufacturing process. The first maintenance usually occurs around 5,000 kilometers, so I make sure to find an opportunity to drive on the highway within the first 1,000 kilometers, maintaining a steady speed of 80-100 km/h for about half an hour, without pushing the throttle too hard. After the high-speed run, I go for the first oil change, which helps flush out more impurities. Of course, modern cars have improved manufacturing processes, so this isn’t strictly necessary, but I still believe doing it before the first maintenance is safer. Just be careful not to exceed the speed limit. If the car is in good condition, the engine response will be more agile, saving you from potential issues down the road.

[OEva]

As someone who frequently works on cars, I always remind everyone: taking your car on the highway after the first maintenance is the smart choice. The first maintenance usually involves changing the oil and filters, and the new oil provides optimal lubrication, allowing the engine to handle high-speed driving better and reducing abnormal wear caused by impurities. The factory-installed oil often contains anti-wear additives, so driving at high speeds might not be an issue, but it's not worth the risk. After the first maintenance, you can drive long distances on the highway with much more peace of mind. Also, when driving at high speeds, don’t just focus on speeding—keep an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure everything is normal. Simply put, safety first—don’t treat your car as an experiment. It’s more cost-effective to enjoy high-speed driving after the minor maintenance.

[HarrisonFitz]

I just picked up my first car. When consulting at the 4S dealership, the technician told me that many cars nowadays don't require a special high-speed running-in. However, if I wanted to try it, he recommended doing it after the first maintenance. The first maintenance is usually done within the first month or within 3,000 kilometers. Before high-speed running, make sure the tire pressure and coolant are all in good condition. Doing it before the first maintenance might carry a risk of abnormal noises, but the new car handles more nimbly. My experience is to wait until after the first maintenance before going on the highway—it feels more stable in power and is more worry-free. Simply put, warming up the car regularly during daily driving is sufficient; high-speed running is just the icing on the cake.

[SanDaniella]

The car break-in period is an old topic! Some people prefer to take the car on a high-speed run before the first service, claiming it can optimize engine performance early on. However, I believe it's more carefree after the first service—fresh oil provides better protection, making high-speed driving effortless. For example, maintaining a steady speed on the highway for half an hour without revving too high carries slightly higher risks before the first service but yields quicker results. With advanced technology nowadays, driving freely won’t cause issues. The key is to pay attention to the car's condition whenever you decide to push it, avoiding aggressive acceleration that could harm the engine. A well-broken-in car shows noticeable power improvements and extends its lifespan.

[ValerieMarie]

It depends on the vehicle condition and personal preference. Older models are suitable for high-speed runs before the first maintenance to help remove carbon deposits; for newer models, it's fine after the first maintenance since the fluids are fresh. High-speed runs aren't mandatory, but if you do them, it's safer after the first maintenance. Regularly check the brakes and cooling system, and avoid prolonged high-speed driving. After the break-in period, the car will run more smoothly.