Among motorists, the question of how to break in a new car and whether it is necessary remains relevant. The natural desire of the owner of a new car is to operate the vehicle as long as possible without breakdowns and overhaul. Exactly for this purpose the running-in procedure is conducted. This process is aimed at correct lapping of basic units, aggregates and parts.
To run in or not to run in?
Why does this question arise at all? It is all about the manufacturers of cars. Most of them are against the running-in process. A factory manufacturer necessarily conducts so-called “cold” running-in. Such testing implies a gentle mode. In reality the main units of vehicle experience more considerable loads.
The main argument of car manufacturers is that modern models of passenger cars do not require this procedure, because a thorough technical check of the performance characteristics is performed at the factory. That’s why in the manual for a new car, the question of how to properly run the car, is formulated with 2-3 sentences.
Some automakers still point out the necessity of preliminary preparation of the car for more serious loads. The manual prescribes a number of restrictions and suggests a zero technical inspection.
What does the new car’s running-in period do?
To the question of how to properly run in a new car, drivers approach with full responsibility, if they know why this procedure is necessary. What it gives:
- identification of factory defects;
- soft smoothing of parts surfaces: removal of possible roughness, prevention of scuffing;
- lapping of the individual parts of the systems that keep the vehicle moving;
- cleaning of the engine, oil ducts from chips and other foreign elements;
- lapping of brake system parts;
- adapting the tires to the surface to ensure good traction.
The running-in period is counted in kilometers. Depending on the brand of the car, it is from 1 to 5 thousand km. This is a tentative mileage of the car with a gasoline engine, for the diesel engine it is 2 times more.
How to properly run in a new car
Before running in a new car, it is necessary to carefully inspect the space under the hood and the bottom. On these surfaces there should be no traces of leaks from working fluids (it is oil, antifreeze, brake). It is necessary to control their level and further make it regularly. Filling with quality fuel – the final preparatory procedure.
There are a number of recommendations, how to run-in a new car. The main rules are:
- Exclude maximum loads – lifting, cargo transportation, towing.
- Avoid sudden braking, starting, rapid maneuvering movements.
- Constant speed up to 70-80 km/h on the road with normal surface are the main conditions for running in at the 1st thousand kilometers.
- Ensure smooth shifting of gears (fourth maximum). Jumping over a gear is highly undesirable.
- Do not practice driving in neutral gear.
How to run in a new engine properly
An in-depth study of how to properly run-in a new engine is the key to a long life of the car, economical fuel consumption, good dynamics. Basic recommendations:
- it is undesirable to accelerate the car to the maximum speed;
- Do not allow the engine to operate for a long time at the same speed and rpm;
- 3-3.5 thousand – allowable revolutions in the first half of the running-in period (optimum 2.5-4 thousand, depending on the engine type);
- exclude idling, low rpm, braking;
- warming up at idle speed should not exceed 3 minutes, and then driving at a speed of 30-40 km/h and 2,000 rpm is acceptable.
To the question, how to properly run the car, it is worth adding that this is a complex procedure. It is important to make sure of the correctness and reliability of not only the engine, but also the transmission, gearbox. It is necessary to “adapt” to the loads running gear, steering, brake system. Correct running-in will decide the further fate of your car.
