When is the Best Time to Drive a New Car at High Speed?
4 Answers
It is recommended to drive at high speed after covering approximately 5,000 kilometers. During the break-in period of a new car, high-speed driving exceeding 90 km/h should be avoided. When the new car has traveled around 5,000 kilometers and is about to complete the break-in period, the owner can briefly run the engine above 4,000 RPM to reduce carbon deposits and enhance engine performance. Precautions: Avoid driving at full load during the break-in period: Excessive load increases the burden on the engine and transmission, leading to excessive engine output power and causing excessive wear on mechanical components. Therefore, owners should be aware of their car's maximum load capacity and avoid driving at full load during the break-in period to extend the vehicle's lifespan. Avoid prolonged use of low gears: Owners should intentionally allow each gear to undergo the break-in process. For automatic transmission models, although the manual gear-shifting break-in process is eliminated, owners should accelerate continuously under good road conditions to allow the transmission to shift up smoothly, avoiding insufficient break-in for higher gears.
I drive my new car quite a bit, and I always wait until the break-in period is over before taking it on the highway. The first 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers are crucial for the break-in period, as the engine components need to gradually wear in smoothly. Going straight to high speeds can increase wear and tear. I remember the manual mentioned that after 1,500 kilometers, a short highway trip is acceptable, but don’t go too fast—keep the RPM below 3,000 and maintain a speed between 80 to 100 km/h, which is ideal. Driving on the highway can also help clear some carbon deposits, which is beneficial for the engine’s long-term health. I also recommend driving in city conditions for a week or two first to ensure the brakes and steering feel comfortable. Once the mileage is reached, pick a day with good weather, warm up the engine for a few minutes before setting off to avoid cold-start damage. This habit has helped my car last longer, saving on repair costs and giving me peace of mind.
As a first-time new car owner, I was eager to test its power on the highway. After consulting friends and dealership salespeople, they all advised me to be patient during the break-in period and wait until I've driven at least 1,000 kilometers before safely taking it on the highway. When my new car reached over 900 kilometers, I took it for a spin on the ring expressway for several dozen kilometers. The engine felt smoother, but I kept the speed around 100 km/h to avoid being too aggressive. New drivers often get impulsive, but driving too fast on the highway with insufficient break-in can lead to strange noises or higher fuel consumption. Now, after driving for a while, I've developed the habit of checking tire pressure and oil levels first before cruising steadily on the highway. This way, I can enjoy the thrill of driving while also protecting my new car from unnecessary wear, especially during long weekend trips, making the journey more enjoyable.
Having worked in car repair for many years, I find the break-in period for new cars quite straightforward. Modern engines are well-designed, and the manual generally recommends avoiding high speeds and sudden acceleration within the first 1,000 kilometers. After 1,000 km, I suggest owners gradually test higher speeds, such as increasing from 80 km/h on provincial roads to over 100 km/h on highways. Driving at high speeds can also help evenly wear engine components, which is more beneficial than low-rev city driving. However, avoid sudden speed changes—maintaining a steady RPM is best. Additionally, engine oil should be changed regularly. I often remind friends to check fluid levels before high-speed driving after the break-in period to prevent overheating issues.
