When is the best time to drive a new car at high speed?
4 Answers
It is recommended after driving about 5,000 kilometers. During the break-in period of a new car, high-speed driving above 90 km/h should be avoided. When the new car has driven approximately 5,000 kilometers and is about to complete the break-in period, the owner can appropriately let the engine run briefly above 4,000 RPM to reduce carbon buildup and enhance engine performance. Precautions: 1. Avoid full-load driving during the break-in period: Excessive load increases the burden on the engine and transmission, leading to excessive power output and accelerated wear of components. Therefore, owners should be aware of their car's maximum load capacity and avoid full-load driving during the break-in period to extend the vehicle's lifespan. 2. Avoid prolonged use of low gears: Intentionally allow each gear to undergo the break-in process. For automatic transmission models, although the manual gear-shifting break-in process is eliminated, under good road conditions, owners should continuously accelerate to allow the transmission to smoothly shift up, avoiding insufficient break-in for higher gears.
After buying a new car, it's best to break it in for a while before driving fast on the highway. I remember with my first car, I waited until I had driven 500 kilometers before daring to take it on the highway, because the engine components are just starting to operate, and parts like piston rings and bearings need time to gradually adapt. Otherwise, high RPMs can cause excessive friction, leading to wear or carbon buildup. Modern cars have better technology, so the break-in period is shorter, but for safety, I recommend keeping the speed under 100 km/h and the RPMs between 2500-3000 for the first 300-500 kilometers, with more city driving. Once you reach around 600 kilometers, the tires and brakes will also stabilize, and you can drive on the highway with confidence. Don’t forget to check the manual or ask the repair shop—some brands recommend waiting until 1500 kilometers before aggressive driving. Taking good care of your car and using the initial dedicated engine oil can extend the engine's lifespan.
As someone who drives long-term, I believe a new car should run at least 800 kilometers before considering high-speed driving. Safety first—new cars haven't fully adapted yet, and high-speed driving carries higher risks. In the first month, I focus on checking tire pressure and ensuring the braking system is functioning properly, avoiding rapid acceleration or sudden braking. During the break-in period, drive gently, keep the RPMs moderate, and maintain a speed between 80-100 km/h. Only after the car has run about 1,000 kilometers and the parts have smoothed out does high-speed driving feel more stable. By the way, regular oil changes and maintenance are crucial—they help reduce engine issues. Don’t believe those who claim new cars can be raced right away; real experience tells me that careful driving extends a car's lifespan.
From a car repair perspective, the break-in period for a new car is approximately 500-1,500 kilometers. After that, it's fine to drive on highways. I've handled many cases where owners rushed to speed, leading to engine wear or part damage. It's recommended to keep the speed below 100 km/h for the first few hundred kilometers and maintain a steady speed to avoid sudden acceleration. After that stage, high-speed driving can help clear carbon deposits. Remember to check the user manual for specific recommendations.
