What are the tips for driving during the break-in period of a new car?
3 Answers
During the break-in period of a new car, it is advisable to shift to lower gears in advance to protect the engine. Here are some driving tips for the break-in period of a new car: 1. Before driving: After starting the engine, do not abruptly increase the RPM or continuously press the accelerator pedal aggressively. Avoid running the engine at constant high (or low) speeds; it is better to operate the engine at moderate RPM, generally not exceeding 80% of the maximum RPM. 2. While driving: Do not exceed the maximum speed for each gear; avoid prolonged high-speed driving or accelerating while in high gear. Driving speed should generally be controlled within 70% of the maximum speed for each gear. Avoid driving at a single speed for extended periods, whether fast or slow, and do not drive slowly while in high gear. 3. Other considerations: Shift gears promptly according to road conditions, taking into account the reduced engine power during the break-in period. Shift to lower gears in advance and avoid forcing the use of high gears to prevent excessive engine load. The load during the break-in period should not exceed 70% of the rated capacity, and towing trailers or other vehicles is not allowed. For passenger cars during the break-in period, the engine RPM should be controlled within 2500~4000 RPM, and the maximum speed should be kept below 90 km/h. Avoid emergency braking to prevent damage to mechanical components. Gentle use of the brakes can help with the break-in process and extend the lifespan of the braking system. To shorten the break-in time for the brakes as much as possible, during the first 200 km of driving, you can appropriately increase the number of brake applications to accelerate the break-in of the brakes. Fuel and oil selection during the break-in period: To prevent accelerated wear of components due to knocking during the break-in period, use high-quality gasoline with a higher octane rating. Since the internal components of the engine have smaller clearances during the break-in period, choose high-quality, low-viscosity oil to ensure good lubrication of the friction surfaces, and avoid using engine wear-resistant additives.
Let me, a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, share some insights about the break-in period. Don't rush to speed when you get a new car—components like the engine and transmission need time to adjust, just like new shoes. The first 1,000 kilometers are critical: keep the engine RPM below 3,000 and speed under 90 km/h. Press the accelerator as gently as stepping on an egg, anticipate road conditions to avoid sudden braking. A useful trick is to avoid maintaining a constant RPM for too long—slightly adjust your speed periodically on highways. Also, after a cold start, let the engine warm up for 30 seconds before driving slowly until the coolant reaches operating temperature. These details matter—proper break-in can significantly improve fuel efficiency later on.
My friend who works in mechanical repair always emphasizes the importance of the break-in period to me. The metal parts inside a new car's engine have tiny burrs on their surfaces, which need to be smoothed out through gentle driving. For the first 500 kilometers, avoid full-load uphill driving, as excessive transmission load can accelerate wear. Pay attention to whether the tachometer needle moves smoothly, and for manual transmissions, shift gears frequently to ensure all gear teeth are properly broken in. It's recommended to use higher-octane gasoline for the first three refuels for more complete combustion. From my own experience, I walk around the car before starting it each day to check for any abnormalities in the tires and chassis. The break-in period may seem troublesome, but it actually saves future headaches.
