What is the recommended speed for a new car on the road?
2 Answers
New cars should be driven below 100 km/h on the road. Reasons for driving a new car at low speeds: A new car should not exceed 100 km/h, especially if the driver obtained their license last year and has little experience on the road, let alone long-distance driving. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driving licenses, the first 12 months after a driver initially obtains a motor vehicle driving license is considered the probationary period. Precautions during the break-in period of a new car: Avoid emergency braking as much as possible. Emergency braking not only impacts the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the load on the chassis and engine. It is best to avoid emergency braking within the first 300 kilometers of driving. Do not overload the car. Running a new car at full capacity during the break-in period can damage the components. Therefore, within the first 1,000 kilometers, the load should generally not exceed 75%-80% of the rated capacity. When driving on highways during the break-in period, the engine will operate continuously for longer periods, which can lead to increased wear. It is recommended to maintain a speed of 120 km/h with the engine speed not exceeding 3,000 RPM. If the engine speed exceeds 3,000 RPM, consider reducing the speed to keep it within this limit. During long-distance drives, take breaks at service areas for about ten minutes. Avoid changing the oil too early. The initial oil in a new car is specifically designed for the break-in period, with low viscosity, excellent heat dissipation, cleaning, and oxidation resistance properties. Some manufacturers even add grinding agents to aid the break-in process. Therefore, the oil should only be changed according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, not prematurely.
I've driven several brand-new cars, and each time I was particularly cautious about speed when first hitting the road. New cars have a break-in period, typically within the first 1,000 kilometers, it's recommended to keep the speed around 80 km/h and not exceed 100. The reason is simple: internal engine components need time to adapt, and driving too fast can lead to excessive wear or overheating. Parts like gears and pistons experience significant friction, and high-speed driving increases the load. It's also important to avoid excessively high RPMs, sudden acceleration, or hard braking. Tire pressure is crucial too; the factory-set pressure might be uneven, so driving slowly makes it easier to check. I usually stick to urban areas for the first month, maintaining moderate to low speeds, and even on highways, I stay in the slow lane. This practice is good for the car's longevity, saves fuel, and ensures safety. A new car is like a new pair of shoes—it needs a little time to break in and become comfortable, which is better for everyone.
