What are the precautions during the break-in period of a new car?
2 Answers
Precautions during the break-in period of a new car include: 1. Warm up the car before starting: Wait 5 to 10 seconds after shifting to second gear before starting; 2. Avoid high-speed driving: New cars have speed limits during the break-in period, with domestic cars limited to 40 to 70 kilometers per hour and imported cars to 100 kilometers per hour; 3. Avoid overloading: Carrying too much weight during the break-in period can damage the mechanical parts; 4. Do not remove the speed limiter prematurely: The speed limiter is a throttle device installed between the carburetor and the intake pipe. It should not be removed too early but after driving 1,000 kilometers; 5. Do not change the oil too early: The initial oil used in the car is specifically for the break-in period, featuring low viscosity, good heat dissipation, and excellent oxidation resistance; 6. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the shock load on the chassis and engine.
Be extra careful during the new car break-in period. I remember the 4S shop technician emphasized several key points when I last bought a car. Avoid high-speed driving—keep it under 100 km/h for the first 1,000 km and control the engine RPM below 3,000 to minimize internal component wear. Don’t accelerate or brake abruptly; drive smoothly to let parts like piston rings adapt gradually. Also, avoid overloading or hauling too much to prevent added strain. Regularly check engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid to ensure they’re clean and at proper levels. Schedule the first maintenance around 5,000 km to replace the break-in oil and filter. In terms of driving style, vary your speed to avoid prolonged constant speeds, which helps the transmission break in. Additionally, warm up the engine for a minute or two after cold starts, but not excessively. A proper break-in extends engine life, saving you hassle and money down the road.
