When Can a New Car Be Driven on the Highway?
3 Answers
It is best to drive a new car on the highway after the break-in period. During the break-in period, the engine speed should be controlled at around 2,500 RPM, and it is not advisable to stay in one gear for too long. Change the speed and gear every few minutes to allow the gears in each position to break in properly and reduce excessive wear on any single gear. Methods to determine if a car is new are as follows: 1. Check the manufacturing date: The manufacturing date on the vehicle should match the one on the certificate of conformity, which is usually difficult to alter. If the manufacturing date is more than 15 days old, the car is considered used. 2. Inspect the brake discs: After driving more than 200 kilometers, the brake pads usually leave noticeable marks on the brake discs. Typically, there is a distance of 1 to 2 millimeters between the brake pads and the outer edge of the brake discs.
When can a new car be driven on the highway? From the perspective of a car enthusiast, I recommend waiting until after the break-in period of 500 to 1,000 kilometers. The break-in period is about gradually smoothing out the engine components of the new car, so avoid rushing onto the highway in the first few days or week. Driving directly on the highway can cause the engine to run at high RPMs, leading to excessive friction between parts, potential overheating, or abnormal fuel consumption. When I first bought my car, I spent the first two weeks driving around the city, keeping the speed below 80 km/h. After covering a few hundred kilometers, driving on the highway became much smoother. On the highway, keep the speed under 100 km/h, avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking, as this can extend the engine's lifespan and reduce the risk of malfunctions. Also, check the tire pressure and brake system—new car components aren't fully broken in yet, so don't take any chances.
When can a new car be driven on the highway? I remember taking my car for a spin on the highway the very next day after picking it up—just wanted some fun when I was younger. The 4S store said there's no technical restriction, but breaking it in a bit makes it smoother. The first 300-500 kilometers should be driven on regular roads to let the engine adapt. On the highway, I made sure not to exceed the speed limit and drove gently, and the car never had any issues. Later, an experienced driver told me that new parts need proper break-in, and high-speed driving can damage the engine. It's better to wait until the engine runs smoothly before hitting the highway—it saves fuel and hassle in the long run. Just don’t be as reckless as I was.
