Why Do Cars Need to Be Driven at High Speeds?
4 Answers
Driving a car at high speeds helps the engine and transmission adapt more quickly to high-speed operation, improves the smoothness of components such as pistons and gears, and also aids in removing carbon deposits from the engine, especially for vehicles frequently driven in congested urban areas. After the initial break-in period, the operation between engine components becomes more coordinated. At this stage, driving at high speeds can test the machine's extreme working conditions and expand the tensile, compressive, impact, and torsional resistance range of the component materials. Performing high-speed driving after the first maintenance service is safer, as the primary purpose of the first maintenance is to conduct thorough inspections of the vehicle, ensuring better safety measures are in place.
The so-called 'high-speed driving' is mainly about cleaning carbon deposits in the engine. When we drive in the city, frequent stop-and-go at low speeds leads to incomplete fuel combustion, causing carbon buildup to clog the engine. Taking a long trip or revving the engine on the highway can increase the engine's RPM and temperature, effectively burning off those deposits. This not only restores the car's power response but also saves some fuel and avoids major repairs in the future. I occasionally drive back to my hometown on the highway, and the car feels smoother afterward. With the carbon deposits cleaned, the spark plugs are less likely to have issues. This is a must for long-term maintenance, especially for older cars—I recommend doing it once a month instead of always driving in the city. It's a simple, cost-free trick, but it's crucial for engine health.
I love the feeling of a powerful car, and pushing it on the highway is a little secret! Driving at turtle speeds in the city for too long can make the engine feel sluggish and weak. Occasionally stepping hard on the gas pedal and letting the airflow run smoothly at high RPMs ensures more complete combustion and flushes out carbon deposits. This not only improves acceleration response but also makes the fuel system run smoother. I've tried it a few times, and after a highway run, the throttle feels noticeably lighter, and the engine noise is reduced. It's not a daily necessity, but for driving enthusiasts, it injects fresh vitality into the car and prevents minor issues caused by idle carbon buildup. Overall, it's more like preventive maintenance, keeping the engine in top condition.
When I first started learning to drive, friends suggested I occasionally take the car on the highway. Later, I understood it was to clean carbon deposits. Carbon deposits are the accumulated dirt in the engine, which can clog components during low-speed driving, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced power. Driving at high speeds essentially gets the engine moving to burn off the waste, making the ride smoother and safer. Now, I regularly take the car on the highway and find it very effective.