What are the precautions for running-in a new car?

[McPeter]

Precautions during the running-in period of a new car include: 1. Warm up the car before starting: Wait 5 to 10 seconds after engaging second gear before starting; 2. Avoid high-speed driving: There are speed limits for new cars during the running-in period, with domestic cars limited to 40 to 70 kilometers per hour and imported cars limited to 100 kilometers per hour; 3. Avoid overloading: Carrying too much weight during the running-in period can damage the mechanical components; 4. Avoid removing 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 rather after driving 1,000 kilometers; 5. Avoid changing the oil too early: The initial oil used in the car is specifically for the running-in period. This type of oil has low viscosity, good heat dissipation, and excellent oxidation resistance; 6. Do not perform emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the running-in period but also increases the impact load on the chassis and engine.

[DelHarrison]

I remember when I first got my new car, I was particularly concerned about what to pay attention to during the break-in period. The key is actually to avoid stomping on the accelerator too hard—it's best to keep the RPM below 3000, just like letting someone gradually adapt to a new environment. The first 1000 kilometers are the most critical, as both the brake pads and tires need time to adjust to each other. Try to avoid driving at a constant speed on the highway for long periods; it's better to alternate between city roads and expressways to engage all gears. Also, don’t fill the fuel tank to the brim—keeping it around 70-80% full is better for the car. Oh, and if you notice any warning lights on the dashboard, don’t ignore them. Get it checked—it’s the car communicating with you.

[BrooklynAnn]

During the break-in period, you really can't rush driving and need to stay patient. I usually keep the speed below 80 km/h at first, just like new shoes need a break-in period. Try to avoid sudden braking and flooring the accelerator—experienced drivers told me the engine piston rings need even wear-in, and aggressive driving can cause hidden damage. Also, for the transmission: don't always use sport mode in automatic cars, and for manuals, shift frequently and avoid lugging the engine. Pay attention to load capacity too—avoid overloading the trunk in the first month. Check tire pressure weekly, a detail many overlook.

[Johnson]

The core of running-in a new car boils down to three principles: gentle, varied, and observant. Throttle and brake operations should be smooth to avoid metal-on-metal contact. Vary driving conditions frequently—navigate city traffic jams today and cruise on expressways tomorrow—ensuring all components wear in evenly. Most crucially, stay vigilant: monitor dashboard alerts, engine oil condition, and tire wear. I typically schedule a complimentary inspection within the first 500 km to verify bolt torque and fluid levels. For cold starts, wait until RPM stabilizes—about 30 seconds in winter, or just over 10 seconds in summer—before driving off.

[DiHope]

For the first three months, I treated the new car like fragile goods. After starting, I let it idle for 1 minute to warm up before driving, and kept the RPM below 2500 until the coolant temperature reached the optimal level. I deliberately planned different driving routes for various road conditions: on Mondays and Wednesdays, I took the expressway to practice steady-speed driving, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I drove on urban back roads with frequent stops and starts. I limited passengers to three or four at most and kept the trunk empty. Every 300 kilometers, I popped the hood to inspect, sniffing for any burnt smells and feeling the wheel hubs for abnormal temperatures. It's best to do the first maintenance 500 kilometers ahead of schedule, as you can see quite a bit of metal shavings in the drained oil at this stage.

[IrisRose]

There's a lot to learn about break-in period maintenance. Beyond the commonly mentioned avoidance of sudden acceleration, engine load management is also crucial. When using the air conditioning, I deliberately reduce power demand slightly, and I downshift early when climbing hills to avoid high-load ascents. Oil selection is critical – don't be in a hurry to change out the factory break-in oil from the dealership. After the first 1,000 kilometers, I performed a tire rotation to ensure even tire wear. The braking system also needs special training – find a safe stretch of road to perform ten gradual stops in stages, with 2-3 minute intervals between each to let the brake pads cool. Try to avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds to protect the power steering system.