What to Pay Attention to During the Break-in Period of a New Car?
2 Answers
During the break-in period of a new car, pay attention to the following four points: 1. Warm-up: When starting the car, it's best to wait until the coolant temperature reaches above 40°C before moving. Start gently by slowly releasing the clutch and accelerator pedal, and choose a good road surface to drive on. Avoid pressing the accelerator when parking. 2. Speed Control: For a car in the break-in period, it's crucial to control the driving speed. Avoid driving too fast; the speed should preferably be maintained between 50~80 km/h. After driving over 1,500 km, you can gradually increase the RPM and speed to the vehicle's maximum allowed limit. Avoid pressing the accelerator forcefully to ensure that pistons, cylinders, and other important components increase their load under mild conditions. 3. Frequent Gear Shifting: Avoid using a single gear for an extended period. Start in a low gear and gradually shift to higher gears, driving progressively. Avoid the phenomena of low-gear high-speed or high-gear low-speed driving. 4. Clutch Usage: When braking a vehicle during the break-in period, first press the clutch pedal to disengage the gears before stepping on the brake pedal. This reduces impact damage to the new car's engine, braking system, and chassis. However, this "clutch first, then brake" method does not comply with standard driving practices and is only applicable to vehicles in the break-in period.
As a seasoned car owner who has driven several brand-new vehicles, I must emphasize the importance of not taking the break-in period lightly. During the first few thousand kilometers, avoid stomping on the accelerator and keep the RPM between 2000 and 3000 to prevent sudden acceleration or hard braking. This allows engine components to gradually wear in properly. Also, refrain from maintaining a constant speed on highways; instead, vary your speed between 60 to 100 km/h to ensure even wear between pistons and cylinder walls. I still remember my first new car—I neglected to monitor the RPM and revved it too high, which later cost me extra money to fix the resulting noise issues. Beyond the engine, brake pads and tires also require a gentle break-in period. Avoid hauling heavy loads or tackling mountain roads right after purchase. An early first service is crucial—schedule it around 1000 kilometers to let professional technicians conduct a thorough inspection and ensure everything runs smoothly. A well-executed break-in leads to quieter operation and a longer vehicle lifespan.
