What is the appropriate mileage for a new car in its first year?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, it is appropriate for a new car to run 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers in a year. Here are some precautions for using a new car: 1. Cold car warm-up: Proper warm-up helps the engine oil form an "oil film" between engine components, thereby reducing wear and tear. 2. Timely gear shifting: When driving a manual transmission car during the break-in period, shift gears promptly and appropriately to avoid incorrect behaviors such as high gear with low RPM or low gear with high RPM, and do not use a single gear for an extended period. 3. Timely maintenance: Simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle manual, and after reaching a certain mileage or time, promptly inspect and maintain the vehicle, replace engine oil, oil filter, etc., and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the chassis system. 4. Avoid emergency braking: Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the impact load on the vehicle's chassis and engine.
As a seasoned car enthusiast, I believe the ideal mileage for a new car in its first year is around 10,000 kilometers. The break-in period during the initial 5,000 kilometers is crucial—the engine and transmission need smooth operation to properly seal internal components. Driving too little can lead to oil degradation and carbon buildup, similar to leaving a car unused for years. Conversely, excessive mileage, such as exceeding 20,000 kilometers, may cause premature wear. Having driven several new cars myself, I always handle the break-in period in phases: avoid sudden acceleration and keep speeds below 80 km/h for the first 1,000 kilometers, then drive normally for the remaining mileage. I recommend checking oil levels and tire pressure monthly, and following the maintenance schedule in the manual—typically every six months or 5,000 kilometers. During long trips, the engine actually runs smoother once warmed up, so don’t worry about the mileage. Just remember to take breaks to let the car cool down and prolong its lifespan.