What are the precautions for using a car during the break-in period?
4 Answers
The precautions for using a car during the break-in period are: 1. Avoid high-speed driving: For new cars, the speed should be controlled between 60 to 80 kilometers per hour, favoring slower speeds over faster ones; 2. Avoid skipping warm-up: When cold starting the car, the water temperature gauge needle should be preheated to the middle of the scale before slowly starting and driving; 3. Avoid overloading: Full load or overload can cause significant damage to new car components. It is necessary to reduce the load according to the vehicle's specified capacity, preferably not exceeding 70% of the specified load; 4. Avoid sudden braking: While driving, anticipate situations early, reduce speed and shift down. If an emergency situation arises requiring sudden braking, first depress the clutch pedal to reduce engine impact damage; 5. Avoid neglecting checks: Promptly replenish any deficiencies and repair any issues found; 6. Avoid neglecting maintenance: New cars must undergo mandatory maintenance at the designated service center according to the mileage specified by the manufacturer.
I just helped my son pick up his new car, and the experienced mechanic told me to treat it like a baby for the first 2,000 kilometers. Don't rev the engine over 3,000 RPM, and only press the accelerator about one-third of the way. Don't get cocky with a new car and start speeding—I learned the hard way when I was young; I damaged the piston rings by driving on the highway during the break-in period. Be gentle with the brake pads too—avoid hard braking for the first 300 kilometers. Many people overlook the tires, but new tires have a layer of wax that takes a few hundred kilometers to wear off for proper grip. Also, don't exceed three-quarters of the car's load capacity, and don't stuff the trunk like you're moving house. Oh, and don't believe in the old myth of 'running the engine hard'—modern engines are cold-tested at the factory before they even leave.
As someone who has worked in an auto repair shop for fifteen years, here are some key points for you: In the first week, drive as if holding an egg, keeping the engine RPM below 2,500. Avoid using cruise control for the first 500 kilometers, and for manual transmissions, shift gears frequently to allow proper gear break-in. After a cold start each day, let the engine warm up for 30 seconds before driving, but don’t exceed 2 minutes to avoid wasting fuel. Always change the oil on time, and don’t exceed 5,000 kilometers for the first service. Remember to have the mechanic check the chassis bolts during the first service, as new car vibrations can loosen them. If you notice any unusual noises, investigate immediately—don’t let small issues turn into big problems. Follow these tips, and your car will last at least five years longer.
Last time my best friend picked up her car, the 4S store guy gave super detailed instructions: Don't lend the car to anyone for the first two months! Different driving habits affect the break-in period. Always refuel with Sinopec 95-octane gas, don't mix different types. Highway driving is okay but don't exceed two hours - the engine needs rest. Don't blast the AC at max immediately after starting - electrical load matters during break-in too. Most surprisingly, he said don't wash the car too frequently as the new paint's protective layer takes a month to fully set. Her husband keeps staring at the dashboard, beeping whenever it goes over 80 km/h - absolutely hilarious.
