New vehicle break-in period related precautions to be aware of
Jun 29, 2023
Generally speaking, a new car's tires need to undergo more than 200 kilometers of driving friction to achieve "optimal grip"; the brake pads need to undergo more than 400 kilometers of driving to achieve "ideal friction"; and all the moving friction parts of the vehicle need to undergo more than 1000 kilometers of break-in period to establish a good cooperative relationship.
Especially for a car's heart, the engine, the surface finish, load-bearing area, and cooperative relationship of the new parts are not at the ideal level of design. The working conditions of the engine assembly's mechanical, electrical, oil, water, and gas systems have not achieved the best overall balance. These transitions are collectively referred to as the new car break-in period.
The following are some suggestions for driving during a car's break-in period:
1. Drive slowly: During the break-in period, the various components of the engine need time to wear in and adapt to each other, which takes some time. Therefore, it is recommended to control the speed within 60-80 km/h when driving a new car initially, and avoid high-speed driving to reduce damage to the engine.
2. Preheat the engine during cold starts: During a cold start, the engine needs time to reach its normal working temperature, and its operating state is unstable, which can cause adverse effects on the engine. Therefore, it is necessary to preheat the car during a cold start and let the water temperature reach above 40℃ to make the engine run more smoothly.
3. Avoid overloading: Overloading or carrying the maximum load can cause significant damage to the car's components. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the load according to the car's weight specifications, and it's advisable not to exceed 70% of the specified load.
4. Avoid sudden braking: Sudden braking is a bad driving habit that can cause significant damage to the engine, braking system, and chassis of a new car. While driving, try to handle road conditions in advance, reduce speed, and downshift to minimize damage to the vehicle components. In case of an emergency that requires sudden braking, step on the clutch pedal first to reduce the engine's impact damage.
5. Regular inspection: It is essential to conduct regular inspections of a new car to detect and resolve issues early and prevent potential problems. Regular inspection should include checking the car's oil, water, and gas levels, and replenishing them promptly when necessary. Checking for any abnormal noises from various parts of the car and repairing them immediately, and inspecting the car's instrument panel to promptly address any warning lights or computer prompts while driving.