When is the best time to drive a new car at high speed?
2 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.
