What happens if a new car directly runs on the highway for 13 hours?
3 Answers
If a new car directly runs on the highway for 13 hours, the engine will operate at high speeds with significant mechanical wear. The first batch of engine oil typically contains more metal shavings and impurities. Using this oil with a large amount of debris for high-speed driving will greatly increase engine wear and may even cause abnormal damage. New cars require a break-in period, and prolonged high-speed driving is not recommended. However, modern car manufacturing processes are highly refined, and new cars undergo "cold break-in" before leaving the factory, where the engine is run on a specialized test stand. It is advised not to keep the new car in a single gear for extended periods on the highway. Instead, change the speed and gear every few minutes to allow all gears to break in evenly and prevent excessive wear on any single gear.
As an experienced car owner who has driven many new vehicles, I think taking a brand-new car directly on a 13-hour highway trip is quite risky. When a car is fresh off the lot, the internal engine components haven't fully broken in yet. At high speeds and RPMs, the oil film may not distribute evenly, which can lead to premature wear on pistons or bearings. Additionally, the rubber compound on new tires needs time to adapt. Continuous high-speed driving causes heat buildup, significant tire pressure fluctuations, rapid tread wear, and even risks like bulges or blowouts. The cooling system also faces challenges—especially in summer heat—with the radiator and fans potentially overworking, possibly triggering an engine overheating warning. Not to mention, new brake pads will wear faster under repeated high-speed braking. My advice is to drive a few hundred miles in the city during the break-in period before hitting the highway. This allows components to smooth out and extends the vehicle's lifespan. Avoid long high-speed journeys right after purchase, or repair costs might exceed your insurance premiums.
I'm quite concerned about safe driving. Taking a brand-new car straight to a 13-hour high-speed journey poses multiple risks. Prolonged driving leads to fatigue, slower reaction times, and significantly increases accident risks. From the vehicle's perspective, the engine and transmission haven't been properly broken in yet. Continuous high-speed operation may trigger overheating warnings or even cause engine seizure. Tires deform faster under high temperatures, and imbalanced tire pressure leads to unstable handling – especially dangerous in rainy conditions. The coolant circulation system bears heavy loads during long-distance driving, increasing wear on pumps and potential leakage risks. Having experienced long-distance driving myself, I recommend treating new cars gently during the first few thousand kilometers. On highways, take a break every two hours to check the vehicle's condition and get some fresh air. Don't prioritize speed over time – safety and health come first. After all, a car is a tool, not a toy.
