What Precautions Should Be Taken During the Break-in Period of New Tires?
4 Answers
Precautions to be taken during the break-in period of new tires are as follows: Avoid sharp turns or sudden braking: Within the first 500 kilometers of a new car's break-in period, new tires have not yet reached optimal adhesion. It is advisable to avoid sudden braking during rapid turns as much as possible. Control maximum speed and RPM: Within the first 2,500 kilometers of a new car's break-in period, drive gently. The maximum speed should not exceed 100 kilometers per hour, and the RPM should not exceed 2,500 during the break-in period. Avoid overloading: Operating a new car at full load during the break-in period can cause damage to mechanical components. Therefore, within the first 1,000 kilometers of driving, the general load should not exceed 75-80% of the rated load capacity.
When I first got new tires, I was extra cautious. The first 500 kilometers felt like dating—you have to take it slow. Hard braking and sudden acceleration must be avoided, as new tires have a thin layer of release agent on the tread that can make them slippery. You need to be even more careful in the rain. I usually drive at about 80% of the speed limit, especially on highways—no speeding thoughts allowed. Checking tire pressure weekly is crucial, and don’t forget the spare tire. New tires need to wear evenly against the road to perform at their best. I also made a point to avoid potholes to prevent sidewall damage that could compromise safety. And for the first 300 kilometers after changing tires, avoid carrying heavy loads to let the tire structure gradually adapt.
Breaking in new tires requires careful attention. I always tell my friends to treat them like newborns for the first 300 kilometers. Avoid driving in straight lines only; make gentle left and right turns to ensure even tread wear. Keep the tire temperature from getting too high—take a break every two hours during long-distance driving. Regularly removing small stones from the tread is crucial, as deep punctures can shorten tire life. After getting new tires, I make it a habit to rinse the inner side of the rims during car washes to keep them clean and prevent corrosion. For the first month, try to avoid driving on gravel roads, as the new rubber hasn't yet reached its optimal elasticity.
New tires require gentle treatment. For the first two weeks, I even turned down the radio volume to focus on the feel. Start slowly with gentle acceleration and leave an extra 10 meters for braking. Driving under 40 km/h in the city is ideal, and keep it below 80 km/h on elevated roads. Before each trip, walk around the car to check tire pressure and appearance, and address any abnormal bulges immediately. After the first 100 kilometers, get a wheel alignment to ensure even wear. Be extra cautious when driving at night, as new tires need an adaptation period for grip in dark conditions.
