What should be paid attention to during the running-in period of a new car?
4 Answers
New car running-in period is very critical, the following points should be noted: 1. Avoid high-speed driving: Try not to let the car's speed reach 120km/h, which can actually maintain the performance of the engine and make its lifespan longer. 2. Never overload the car: Putting overweight objects in the car during the running-in period is undoubtedly a pressure on the car. When overloaded, the car often needs to change gears, and the sudden high and low gear changes are very fatal to the engine. 3. Avoid driving on extremely poor road surfaces: Driving on very difficult roads during the running-in period causes considerable wear and tear on the tires. Moreover, driving for a long time under such conditions during the running-in period, with the engine constantly maintaining high-power operation, will inevitably cause damage. If this is noticed, the engine may run for hundreds of thousands of kilometers without repair, otherwise it may be scrapped 5 years in advance.
I recently broke in a new car and realized you've got to be extra careful during that period. The key is to control your speed—don't rush onto highways, try to keep it between 80 to 100 km/h, and avoid revving the engine too high, preferably staying under 3,000 RPM. The first 500 kilometers are especially crucial: avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking to let engine components gradually adapt, reducing wear and extending lifespan. Also, don’t overload the car—keep the trunk light to avoid straining the engine. Drive smoothly, shift gears gently, and pick smooth roads to help the engine and other parts sync properly. The break-in period typically lasts 1,000 to 1,500 km, with detailed guidelines in the owner’s manual—follow them closely. Ignoring this may cause premature engine aging and higher repair costs later. A friend of mine rushed it and ended up with strange noises within six months. Bottom line: stay patient, monitor your car’s condition, and you’ll enjoy smoother drives ahead.
As an enthusiast who frequently spends time in the workshop, my view on new car break-in is that regular maintenance is the most crucial. You should frequently check the oil level, take a glance every few hundred kilometers to ensure it's neither dirty nor excessive, as oil quality changes significantly during initial operation, which can prevent engine overheating and damage. Also, monitor the coolant and brake fluid, and take breaks when temperatures get too high. Avoid continuous long-distance driving, and don't overload the engine within the first 1,000 kilometers. Simply put, develop a gentle driving habit—avoid sudden rev spikes—to help components break in smoothly. An extra reminder: avoid installing performance parts before the first maintenance, as the factory settings are sufficiently reliable. Neglecting maintenance can lead to accumulated minor issues, such as poor piston ring sealing and increased fuel consumption. I often help neighbors fine-tune these details, resulting in much longer-lasting vehicle conditions. Combined with safe driving, a smooth start is a hassle-free and cost-effective approach.
When I bought my first new car, I was very worried about making mistakes during the break-in period, so I asked experienced drivers for advice. They suggested that I avoid slamming the accelerator or braking suddenly, maintain a moderate speed, and prevent excessive engine stress. They also advised checking the oil level regularly and using higher-quality fuel for the first few fill-ups. It's important to keep the car lightly loaded and avoid overpacking. Most cars require this kind of careful handling for the first 1,200 kilometers, or it might damage engine components. Learn some basics from the manual, avoid driving recklessly on mountain roads or in heavy traffic, and just keep the driving smooth.
