What are the precautions during the break-in period of a new car?
3 Answers
Precautions during the break-in period of a new car: 1. Warm up before starting - turn the key to the second position and wait 5 to 10 seconds before starting the engine; 2. Avoid long-distance trips - prolonged continuous operation of the engine during long trips can accelerate component wear; 3. Initial maintenance - regularly check engine oil, coolant, and battery electrolyte levels during the break-in period, and top up immediately if any are low; 4. Use high-quality gasoline - the engine oil used should not be of a lower grade than specified by the manufacturer, and avoid adding anti-wear additives to prevent insufficient break-in despite sufficient mileage.
I believe the key point during a new car's break-in period is allowing the internal engine components to gradually adapt, just like warming up before exercise. For the first few hundred kilometers, it's best to avoid high-speed driving and keep it under 80 km/h, because parts like pistons and cylinders are in the break-in phase, and excessive RPM can easily cause wear. Drive gently during this time—avoid sudden acceleration by flooring the throttle and harsh braking. Starting slowly also helps protect the components. Additionally, regularly checking the engine oil level is crucial, as oil consumption tends to be higher during break-in. If the oil level is low, top it up promptly. Temperature control is also important: avoid prolonged idling in summer, and in winter, just warm up the engine for a few minutes. Remember, driving smoothly during this period has a significant impact on the car's long-term health. This is how I handled my new car, maintaining these practices for at least the first 1,000 kilometers.
As someone who drives to work every day and has gone through the break-in period of multiple new cars, my experience is to develop gentle driving habits. Don't drive too fast—keep your speed within the recommended range and avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking to reduce stress on the engine and braking system. Also, be mindful of the load; avoid carrying too much luggage or a full passenger load initially to lighten the vehicle's burden. Press the accelerator lightly when starting and slow down early when approaching slopes. I take time each week to check tire pressure and lights to ensure everything is in order. Smooth driving during the break-in period also improves fuel efficiency, saving you some money on gas. Just stick to it for the first 500 to 1,000 kilometers.
