What Should You Pay Attention to When Driving a New Car?
4 Answers
Precautions for driving a new car include: the owner should familiarize themselves with the car's user manual, drive and operate the car correctly, reduce the car's load, control the engine speed and vehicle speed, and avoid driving at full capacity. All parts of a new car have just been manufactured, and during the break-in period, many debris will be generated inside the engine. The shock absorption system, transmission system, and braking system of a new car are not yet perfectly meshed or smooth, and driving at full capacity will overload the engine and other components, causing damage. The first stage of the break-in period is the initial 100 kilometers. During these 100 kilometers, try to shift gears frequently but avoid driving too aggressively; drive gently. The second stage is from 100 to 1,000 kilometers, with the maximum speed not exceeding 80 km/h. The third stage is from 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers, not exceeding 80% of the maximum speed, and it is required to pay attention to the engine speed and vehicle speed gauges during use, ensuring that both the engine speed and vehicle speed operate at moderate levels, around 3,000 rpm.
When you first drive a new car, remember to press the accelerator gently and avoid sudden acceleration. It's best not to let the engine RPM exceed 3000 for the first 500 kilometers—treat it as gently as caring for a baby. I make it a habit to check tire pressure and headlights every morning and evening, and don’t forget to inflate the spare tire. New car odor is my biggest concern, so I roll down the windows for 20 minutes daily and toss in a few charcoal bags. Never delay the first maintenance—timely oil changes can extend the engine's lifespan. Don’t rush to take friends for a spin; drive alone for a few weeks first to get used to the steering wheel’s weight and brake responsiveness, especially familiarizing yourself with new features like wipers and parking sensors.
On the way home with my new car, I noticed the brakes were more sensitive than the test drive vehicle. In the first week, I deliberately chose less crowded roads to practice lane changes. When parking, I always looked for spacious spots first—scratches during the novice phase hurt both the wallet and the mood. Don’t stress over fluctuating fuel consumption in the first two months; a highway trip will stabilize it. Avoid randomly pressing buttons on the car’s large screen—study the manual at home in the evenings instead. Once, I forgot to turn off the reading light, which drained the battery; now, I’ve developed a habit of walking around the car to check everything after locking it. Remember to save emergency rescue numbers in the car’s contact list, and don’t peel off the annual inspection sticker on the windshield just yet.
Breaking in a new car is like breaking in new leather shoes. For the first 2,000 kilometers, avoid sudden braking and flooring the accelerator—keeping the tachometer needle in the green zone is safest. I always remind myself that the rubber components in the new car's chassis are still settling, so I take speed bumps slowly. Tire grip is insufficient within the first 500 kilometers, requiring extra caution when turning in the rain. Choose a suction cup phone mount—adhesive ones can damage the dashboard coating. Avoid rolling windows up and down for a week after tinting to ensure long-lasting UV protection. When washing the car, check that the door seam drainage channels aren’t clogged, as new cars tend to accumulate debris.
