Why Should New Cars Be Driven on the Highway?
2 Answers
There are two main reasons for taking a new car on a highway run. The first reason is to break in the engine, allowing the new pistons and camshaft inside the engine to experience their first rapid operation. The second reason is to better adapt to high-speed operation, giving the transmission gears a chance to adjust to high-speed rotation, ensuring smoother meshing between the new gears. Here are some precautions for breaking in a new car on the highway: Drive after changing the engine oil: Breaking in on the highway requires not only skill but also proper timing. The quality of the engine oil is a direct factor affecting the engine. Therefore, it is essential not to drive at high speeds before changing the oil. During high-speed driving, the engine operates at high RPMs, leading to maximum mechanical wear. The first batch of oil contains a significant amount of metal debris and other impurities. Using oil with such debris for high-speed driving can greatly increase engine wear and even cause abnormal wear. As a result, the car will not be in optimal condition after the break-in period. Avoid driving at maximum speed: Breaking in on the highway is meant to gently condition various components of the vehicle. It is crucial not to drive at the car's maximum speed, as this will not achieve the goal of breaking in and may instead cause other issues due to excessive wear on the new car. Driving at speeds between 100–120 km/h is sufficient; there is no need to push the car to 150 km/h or 200 km/h.
Running a new car on the highway primarily provides an opportunity for the engine and transmission system to undergo proper break-in. Driving at a steady speed on the highway allows the pistons and cylinder walls to form a smoother contact surface, reducing initial wear. A distance of 100-200 kilometers is sufficient—avoid speeding and maintain smooth driving. This ensures stable engine RPM, smoother gear meshing, reduced noise post-break-in, and potentially lower fuel consumption. It also benefits the transmission and clutch, preventing early failures. From a safety perspective, it allows testing the car's stability at high speeds—any unusual noises or vibrations should be addressed promptly. I always recommend this to new car owners: investing a little time now leads to longer engine life, lower maintenance costs, and a smoother, safer driving experience later.
