What are the precautions for driving during the car break-in period?
2 Answers
The precautions for driving during the car break-in period are: 1. Warm up before starting: Turn the key to the second position and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before starting to protect the new car's engine; 2. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking can impact the braking system during the break-in period, increasing the load on the chassis and engine; 3. Avoid overloading: Running a new car at full load during the break-in period can damage the mechanical parts; 4. Avoid long-distance trips: Long-distance driving during the break-in period increases the continuous working time of the engine, which can easily cause wear on the mechanical parts. The break-in period refers to the initial driving distance after a new car leaves the factory to allow the engine components to break in smoothly. The first maintenance cycle for a car is around 5,000 kilometers.
Having driven for so many years, I have a deep understanding of the break-in period. A new car is like a pair of new shoes—it needs to be worn in gradually. The first few thousand kilometers are crucial: avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking, and keep the engine RPM below 3,000 to prevent premature wear and reduced lifespan. I learned this the hard way with my first car—I couldn't resist taking it on the highway too soon, and the engine always had a persistent hum. It's best to keep speeds between 60-80 km/h, avoid prolonged fixed-speed cruising, and take breaks every 100 kilometers or so. Pay attention to load capacity too: don't overload the car with too many passengers or heavy cargo, as this can damage the suspension. Remember to get the first maintenance on time—most cars require an oil change and debris removal at around 1,500 km. Gentle driving for the first few days actually makes the car more fuel-efficient and smoother in the long run. Taking care of these details can extend your car's lifespan by five to ten years and save you from repair headaches.
