What Must Be Observed During the Break-in Period of a New Car?
2 Answers
During the break-in period of a new car, it is essential to avoid emergency braking, long-distance driving, and high-speed driving. Avoid Emergency Braking: Sudden braking is a poor driving habit, especially harmful to the new car's engine, braking system, and chassis. Drivers should anticipate road conditions in advance, slowing down and shifting to lower gears. If an emergency situation arises requiring sudden braking, the clutch pedal should be depressed first to minimize engine impact. Emergency braking not only shocks the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the load on the chassis and engine. It is advisable to avoid emergency braking within the first 300 kilometers of driving. Avoid Long-Distance Driving: Driving long distances during the break-in period increases the continuous operation time of the engine, leading to accelerated wear of mechanical parts. Avoid High-Speed Driving: New cars have speed limits during the break-in period. Generally, domestic cars should stay within 40-70 km/h, while imported cars should not exceed 100 km/h. When the throttle is fully open, the speed should not exceed 80% of the maximum speed. Drivers should monitor the engine tachometer and speedometer to ensure the engine operates at medium speed. Typically, the engine speed during the break-in period should be maintained between 2000-4000 rpm.
When I first got my new car, experienced drivers told me not to take the break-in period lightly. The new parts inside the engine are initially adapting, so you need to drive carefully: don’t let the RPM get too high, keep it under 4000, especially avoid sudden acceleration on the highway. Vary your speed often instead of driving at a constant speed—this helps the piston rings wear in evenly. I also made it a habit to check the oil level frequently, as new engines might leak or consume oil quickly. Avoid towing heavy loads or carrying full passenger capacity, and refrain from sudden braking or aggressive starts. Sticking to these practices for the first 1500 kilometers can extend the engine’s lifespan and make future driving smoother and more fuel-efficient. Those who neglect the break-in period often end up replacing their engines prematurely, wasting money unnecessarily. After driving for over a decade, I still follow these steps with every new car, and the results are remarkable.
