What are the precautions for the break-in period of an automatic transmission new car?
2 Answers
Precautions for the break-in period of an automatic transmission 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 limited to 100 kilometers per hour; 3. Avoid overloading: Carrying too much weight during the break-in period can damage mechanical components; 4. Do not remove the speed limiter prematurely: The speed limiter is a throttle device installed between the carburetor and the intake pipe, and it should not be removed too early—wait until after driving 1,000 kilometers; 5. Avoid changing 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.
When I first got my automatic transmission car, I really had to be careful during the break-in period. For the first couple of months, I made sure not to drive at high speeds, keeping it between 60 to 80 km/h and the RPM around 2500, avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking. This allows the engine and transmission components to gradually wear in, reducing metal friction damage. I also regularly checked the engine oil color and changed it after driving 500 km to prevent metal shavings from accumulating. Don’t forget to avoid towing or overloading, as heavy loads can damage the engine. Doing these things properly ensures the car runs smoothly and is fuel-efficient later on. Always check the owner’s manual, as different brands may have slightly different requirements—following them can extend the car’s lifespan by ten years.
