1：Whether it's a new or used car, it is necessary to warm up the engine before driving. Starting a cold engine can result in insufficient lubrication and increased component wear. While this dilemma may concern environmentally conscious drivers, a brief warm-up period of around 10 seconds is generally sufficient before setting off, similar to fastening your seatbelt or adjusting your clothes. Additionally, the duration of engine warm-up may vary based on the season. For instance, during cold winter temperatures, it is advisable to let the engine idle for approximately 30 seconds before proceeding and then continue with low-speed driving for 1-2 kilometers to further warm up the engine and avoid negative effects of extended idling.
2：Avoid excessive loads. During the break-in period, the engine components are still in a tight state. Operating the vehicle at full capacity and maximum load can cause damage to the engine parts. It is generally recommended to keep the load below 80% of the vehicle's rated capacity during the break-in period.
3：Long-distance and high-speed driving should be avoided. Extended periods of continuous engine operation, such as long trips, can impose additional stress on components that have not fully adapted and may negatively affect their proper functioning. Similarly, during the break-in period, it is best to avoid high-speed driving. According to available data, it is recommended to maintain speeds between 40-70 kilometers per hour during this period. It is important to pay attention to the engine RPM and speedometer to ensure they do not exceed the recommended limits. Typically, during the break-in period, the engine's maximum RPM should be kept between 2000-4000 revolutions per minute.
4：Use high-quality fuel. Whether it is a new or used car, it is important to use fuel with the appropriate octane rating as specified by the manufacturer (usually indicated on the fuel tank cap). This is particularly crucial for new vehicles during the break-in period. If feasible, opt for higher-quality fuel with a higher octane rating. It is generally recommended to avoid adding any unnecessary anti-wear additives, as they may not provide significant benefits and can interfere with the proper break-in process.
5：Timely gear shifting is essential, especially for beginners and those driving manual transmission vehicles. Shifting gears at the right time helps prevent driving at high RPMs in higher gears or at low RPMs in lower gears, which is not ideal for the engine's long-term performance. Avoid prolonged use of a single gear; shift up or down when appropriate without reaching the maximum speed for each gear. Similarly, automatic transmissions also require a break-in period. It is suggested to start in a lower gear and raise the engine RPM to the mid to upper range for about 20-30 seconds before releasing the throttle to allow the vehicle's speed and RPM to decrease naturally. Repeat this process for each gear in a suitable manner. For vehicles with semi-automatic transmissions, switch to manual mode and follow the same break-in procedure for each gear.
6：The brake system also requires a break-in period. During the break-in period of a new car, avoid harsh braking. Gradual and gentle braking allows the brake drums or pads to establish proper contact and improve their performance.
7：Avoid frequent emergency braking. This point is closely related to the break-in period of the brake system and can impact the vehicle's future safety. Whether it's a new or old car, it is advisable to avoid emergency braking whenever possible. Each instance of sudden braking puts significant stress on the brake system, leading to potential damage and increased risk. To prevent emergency braking situations, maintain a safe following distance and gradually apply the brakes within that safe distance. In other words, try to slow down the vehicle gradually while ensuring safety.
