How to break in a new car: useful operating tips. How to break in a new car

How to break in a new car: useful operating tips. How to break in a new car

04.05.2019

For a long time, there have been discussions in the world about the running in of a new or sorted one. What do you think, is it necessary to run in modern cars? Until a few years ago, the answer to this question was obviously yes. But with the achievement of the latest technologies in the automotive industry, everything more people tend to believe that it is not necessary to break in the engine. Let's find out if we really need to run in?

Firstly, whether to break in the engine or not, each owner of the car decides for himself. For example, if someone has leased a car, then obviously he will most likely not take care of the engine. If the car is in our property, then we, as a rule, take good care of it. But is running-in of modern cars necessary?


Engineers and other experts say no. So, running is needed only for our psychological peace?

But why then in his manual for the operation of new cars directly recommends limiting the first 1200 or 2000 km maximum speed engine (not more than 5500 rpm), and also not to exceed the speed of 170 km/h?

That is BMW company officially recognizes that an engine run-in is needed until a certain mileage appears on the car's odometer.


BMW is not the only automaker that still recommends owners to follow the break-in regime. There are many more car brands, which are also advised in the user manual to break in power unit cars.

In this regard, we decided to look into this issue, and understand whether a run-in is still necessary or not. First, let's first find out what an engine break-in is and why a few years ago, without exception, all vehicle manufacturers obliged owners to spend a certain time on it.

The break-in process itself is the process of grinding the various components of the car together. For example, piston rings and cylinder walls must work together for a while, getting used to each other, before reaching optimal levels of interaction and performance. Until recently, no one questioned this fact. But today, many engineers and experts say that such grinding of engine components is no longer necessary. According to them, in the automotive industry, they allow today to achieve incredible precision in fitting components to each other. Microscopic precision, eliminates running-in.

Experts believe that in the past, drilling and other machines that were used in the manufacture of engines were not as accurate as they are today. As a result of the gaps between the parts, during the first 3000-5000 kilometers, engine parts, rubbing against each other, formed metal chips, polluting engine oil.


Yes, today the tolerances between parts have become smaller, thanks to high-precision machine tools. But, nevertheless, this does not directly say that running is not needed. After all, there are still tolerances and errors. These days, the dimensions of the parts are also not perfect and probably never will be perfect in relation to each other.

In addition, the ideal interaction of engine parts is possible only after certain cycles of engine operation in a working (hot) state. That is, the metal components of the engine need a short time, during which they become optimal in relation to each other.

In general, as you can see, there is an opinion that running in is not needed, but there are many arguments in favor of the fact that running in is essential. And the debate in this area continues to this day.

So to unequivocally answer the question of whether an engine run-in is necessary, you will not be able to answer accurately. This requires expensive Scientific research and long trials.


In general, modern engines, according to many engineers who work in automobile companies, need an average break-in of 1000 kilometers. In the past, break-in engines required many more miles to be driven before the powertrain could be safely used to its full potential.

But if you don’t want to believe that modern cars don’t need a break-in in principle, and want to be calm about the car’s engine, then we offer you that will keep your peace of mind after purchasing a new car or after rebuilding the engine.

Keep the engine speed at medium: Depending on which engine is in your car (gasoline or diesel), after buying a new car or after overhauling the engine, you will have to limit the operation of the car to high revs power unit. As a rule, diesel engines run on more than low revs. Therefore if you have petrol model, then the first 1000 kilometers do not exceed 3500 rpm. If you have diesel car do not exceed 2500 rpm.

Be careful with the gas pedal: The first 1000 km, be careful when working with the gas pedal. Try not to exceed the specified engine speed. Be especially careful when accelerating. Also consider your riding style for the first 1000 kilometers. You must remember that due to the limitation, you will not be able to take full advantage of the power of the motor. Therefore, when maneuvering on the road, take this into account so as not to create emergency. For example, be careful when overtaking.

Try also not to drive at the minimum engine speed. Your task is to pass the optimal break-in within the first 1000 kilometers. By maintaining an average engine speed, you speed up the lapping process piston rings and engine cylinders, and also accelerate their sealing process to each other. At the same minimum engine speed, you will not be able to make an optimal break-in in just 1000 km, since there will be no necessary high pressure, which is formed due to the gases released in the process.


Change the oil after 100 kilometers: If you have the opportunity, we recommend that you change the engine oil after a run of 100-200 kilometers. As we said above, running-in is necessary so that the parts get used to each other and the factory gaps between them decrease, which are formed due to errors in the equipment used in the manufacture of engines. As a result of grinding, metal chips are formed. These pieces of metal are present in the new engine after 100 kilometers. By changing the engine oil, you will remove metal chips.

Ideally, you should also change your oil at about 1000-1500 km. Thus, you will completely clean the engine of metal elements that were formed as a result of grinding in new engine components. After a double change, your engine oil will be clean.


All these tips, of course, are primarily aimed at ensuring that you remain calm that nothing will happen to the car engine, and it will serve for a very long time.

But whether a run-in is really necessary cannot be given a definite answer. As we have already said, disputes in this area are still ongoing. Nowadays modern engines, of course, have become better, more efficient and more technologically advanced. Modern equipment allows you to create reliable and high-quality power units. Quantity manufacturing defect in the process of manufacturing engines was reduced by 12 times.

Truth in last years not a very rosy picture. Most automakers create engines that only work reliably and efficiently. Further, the reliability of the motors begins to fall. Thus, automotive companies protect themselves from financial problems warranty repair. But after 3 years of operation of the car and a run of 100,000-150,000 km, the reliability of the power units leaves much to be desired.


Over the past few years, the number of complaints from car owners,

When buying a new car, many of us simply do not think about the correct running-in of the car, and the trouble-free operation of the equipment will directly depend on this. We will tell you in more detail how to properly break in a car after purchase.

What is bridging and why is it needed?

In fact, running a car is the first movement, the correct implementation of which will directly depend performance indicators transport. Most car manufacturers recommend doing this kind of break-in, which will ensure future correct work engine, gearbox and running gear. IN this case all moving elements are run in, in hard-to-reach places motor accumulates necessary lubrication, and subsequently the presence of such technical liquids in the engine and gearbox provides wear prevention and durability of equipment operation.

Such a running-in of a car is necessary not only after its purchase, but also during a major overhaul, when the engine and gearbox or other vital important knots car.



In the past, most car owners were skeptical of the automaker's recommendation that such a break-in be necessary. Indeed, even 20-30 years ago, the engines and gearboxes of cars were quite simple devices, lubrication and operation of which was not particularly difficult. However, today, when the design of engines has become much more complicated, it is necessary to without fail ensure proper running-in of the car, which will ensure the absence of wear in the future, reduces fuel consumption and correct operation car.

Immediately after the purchase, when the engine, gearbox and drive have not yet been rolled in, so it may seem that the engine does not have enough power, and the car does not respond well to pressing the gas pedal. Subsequently, after grinding all the moving parts, a feeling of engine power appears, and the car becomes fast and torquey.



In the first few thousand kilometers after purchase or overhaul, you can not unscrew the engine to the red zone of the tachometer. Driving style should be as smooth and measured as possible. Loading the engine for the first few thousand kilometers is strictly prohibited. Before each such trip, the engine must be warmed up, as it can be observed on a cold increased wear details.

Try to avoid trips during rush hour, when the car can get stuck in traffic jams, and in this case the engine and other components will have an increased load. cold engine and gearbox.

It is necessary to follow all the recommendations of the automaker, in particular the replacement of technical fluids after the engine has been broken in. For many of us, recommendations for changing the oil literally 2,000 kilometers after buying a car during its break-in may seem superfluous. However, initially, the oil in the engine, after such grinding of parts with each other, may have chips and other wear products, which significantly degrades the quality of the technical fluid. That is why the manufacturer recommends immediately after the completion of rolling, usually 2-3 thousand kilometers, to perform the appropriate service and change the engine oil.



Experts divide such an engine break-in into several main stages. The first 200-300 kilometers are called the most important, during which the grinding of parts to each other is noted, and misuse vehicle in the first few hundred kilometers may subsequently lead to frequent breakdowns and the need for costly repairs.

In the first 200 kilometers of the car, the engine speed should not be increased more than 2500 revolutions per minute of the crankshaft. Therefore, we do not recommend that you even try to check dynamic characteristics your vehicle, and the initial break-in itself should be carried out as quickly as possible.

The first 50 kilometers by car is generally not recommended to drive faster than 50 km / h. It is best if such a first trip is made on a country track, with the maintenance constant speed. The next 100 kilometers and beyond can be gradually increased average speed movement and drive at speeds of 80-90 km / h.

Throughout the break-in, you should monitor the speed and observe the temperature of the engine. You should not overload the engine or overheat it in the first days of using the car. Pay close attention to the load and, if necessary, make stops to allow the machine and engine to cool down.

In the next 500 kilometers, acceleration to a speed of 100 km / h is allowed. In this case, the speed should not be raised high, the maximum for the engine should be no more than 3000 crankshaft revolutions per minute. Another feature of this initial break-in of the car is driving on flat road. In no case should you run a car on mountain roads, when we often have to drive with increased load, climbing a high pass.



To many of us it may seem that break-in is required exclusively for the engine. However, in reality chassis, steering, ABS, transmission and other components will also require proper careful operation, especially in the first few thousand kilometers.

In the chassis, springs, wheel hubs, struts, stabilizers and other suspension elements are run in. Upon completion of the initial run and running-in of the car, a thorough inspection of the condition of the chassis of the car should be carried out in order to identify failed parts that require immediate replacement.

Steering may also require appropriate running-in, in particular the rack drive and power steering. In the event that during such a break-in or upon its completion you begin to notice a deterioration in the controllability of the car, then you will invariably need to perform appropriate diagnostics and repair of failed parts.



Summing up

The requirements of the automaker regarding the need to run the machine should not be neglected. It is on how correctly such work is done in the future that the serviceability of the car will depend. That is why, following all the recommendations from this article and the documentation for your car, you can subsequently avoid various kinds of difficulties with the engine, transmission and undercarriage cars.

Nowadays, cars that come off the factory line are more concise, have an unusual design and improved internal assembly. Improved internal mechanism requires a special approach, as well as strict adherence to operating recommendations. Gone are the days when vehicle was omnivorous and unpretentious. Today, for full-fledged work The car needs a skillful initial run. More on this later in the article.

Proper break-in of a new vehicle is a gentle driving mode, during which the car accelerates and defects are detected. It is required for grinding the engine elements, transmission gears and gearbox.

In addition, parts of running components, suspension and brakes are mastered.

Cold running in production, is cold running really done by the manufacturer

In general, running a car always raises a lot of questions from car owners. The problem is that at the time of purchasing a vehicle, showroom managers claim that there is no need to break in a new car with automatic transmission gears. Cold running of power units is carried out by the manufacturer even before their installation in engine compartment. Allegedly, this makes it possible not to waste your time on grinding in elements. In practice, though cold running no, the car at the factory is checked only to detect defects. Therefore, you should not fall for such marketing ploys if you want the vehicle to serve for a long time. Avoid unexpected car repair costs correct break-in.

What really gives a car a break-in

After passing the initial testing in real conditions, the vehicle becomes more functional, achieving the following goals:

  • The moving elements of the system will be rubbed.
  • Roughness and flaws in parts will be smoothed out.
  • Lubrication pipes, as well as the entire mechanism of the power unit, will be cleaned of chips and other foreign bodies.
  • Brake pads and discs are lapped and good braking after 200-250 kilometers.
  • Tires will improve.
  • Marriage or existing defects will become noticeable.

Incorrect and correct running-in of the car

It is unequivocally impossible to assert the need for a break-in, however, after the implementation of this event, the car owner receives additional guarantees that the unit will not fail prematurely. Many people think that running a vehicle is something very difficult, but if you rely on general rules break-in, the procedure becomes extremely simple. Remember, incorrect running-in of the power unit can lead to its breakdown.

Preparatory work for running in a new car

Before you start rolling, do the following:

  1. Check the amount of engine oil - the level on the dipstick should be in the middle.
  2. Make sure you have brake fluid and coolant.
  3. Fill the tank with good fuel.
  4. Check tire pressure.
  5. Make sure there is no grease leak anywhere.

How many kilometers does a new car run in

Most car owners are concerned about the break-in intervals of a new vehicle. The time frame doesn't actually affect this, main criterion- length of about three thousand kilometers. However, remember that this interval is not a general norm - mileage is individual for each brand. The length is set by the manufacturer and can vary from 1000 to 5000 kilometers. It is necessary to pay attention to the type of motor. If the vehicle is equipped diesel engine, the mileage is doubled.

Manual transmission, the process of running a new car with manual transmission, recommendations

For the procedure to be carried out with maximum benefit, you should rely on the following recommendations:


After the break-in is complete, change the engine oil as metal particles have accumulated in it.

Important! If the manufacturer has filled in the oil, do not change it before running in.

Running a car with an automatic transmission is very similar to running in a unit with a manual transmission. There are only a few differences that are associated with automatic transmission control:

  1. Before starting, thoroughly warm up the gearbox, which is necessary so that gear lubricant got the right consistency.
  2. You can not touch the kickdown mode.
  3. Wheel slippage must not be allowed.
  4. Make sure that it does not work while driving neutral gear, which can occur due to a decrease in oil pressure, which heats up and presses on the planetary gear.
  5. It is not recommended to run the car in urban conditions, as it is possible hard braking, differences in movement, which will adversely affect the "machine".
  6. It is impossible to carry heavy luggage during the break-in process.
  7. After running in, change the oil in the automatic transmission.

Do not forget that automatic transmission requires more attention than mechanical box gears. The design of the automatic transmission is much more complicated than the "mechanics". Therefore, the failure of any node will entail costly repairs. After running in, it is recommended to look into a car service, where to pass a technical inspection to detect flaws.

Buying a new car is always a joyful event that invariably entails a lot of positive emotions. After the state of euphoria passes, the car owner inevitably faces the need to break in his new vehicle. It should be noted that not every driver knows how to break in a new car correctly. Among modern motorists, there are many conflicting recommendations regarding the break-in of a new car. In this article, from the general flow of information, we will highlight practical advice, which will help to understand this, it would seem, difficult question even to an ignorant person.

Why is a car break-in necessary?

Any car needs a break-in - this is an axiom that does not require proof. There is an opinion that expensive modern cars do not need to be run-in, because on the territory of manufacturing plants, all new vehicles undergo the so-called "cold" run-in. In fact, this is not so, because the meaning of the “cold” break-in is to identify and eliminate various problems in the components and assemblies of new cars. It can be said that this is the so-called pre-sale preparation cars.

"Cold" run-in of engines does not allow to adapt the vehicle to real operating conditions. All car parts are rubbed together only during a “hot” break-in, i.e. during the passage of the first 1.5 - 2 thousand km by the car.

Deprived of the correct “hot” running-in, the components and assemblies of the machine are subjected to high external loads, which significantly shorten the operational life of parts that have not yet had time to get used to each other. On top of that, for cars that have not been run-in, oil and fuel mixture consumption increases significantly.

Break-in process of a new vehicle

In fact, there is nothing difficult in running a new car. There is a list of fairly simple recommendations, following which, any owner can significantly extend the life of his four-wheeled vehicle. These simple principles will help to avoid unexpected costs associated with premature repair of failed machine parts.

The most important rule for running a car is a measured ride, devoid of sharp accelerations and braking.

  • You need to start acceleration smoothly, it is strictly forbidden to start abruptly from a place. On vehicles with manual transmission, it is important to monitor the timely inclusion of low gears that protect the engine from the negative effects of excessive overloads. You need to brake gently and carefully, otherwise the service life brake pads decrease significantly due to uneven wear, and braking efficiency will be significantly reduced. Even if you have a very powerful and dynamic car, you should not succumb to the temptation and press the gas pedal to the floor. You will be able to fully enjoy the power of the engine after the new car in a calm mode will overcome its first 1.5 - 2 thousand km.
  • The second most important rule is that new engine should not work for a long time idling. After starting the engine, you need to wait a while until the engine warms up to operating temperature, after which it is necessary to immediately start moving. It is also not recommended to keep the same speed range while driving for a long time. crankshaft. To do this, it is enough to ensure that the driving speed changes periodically, forcing the motor to work with a constantly changing load. The most optimal value of revolutions favorable for the engine varies in the range from 2 to 4 thousand rpm.

  • During the break-in of a new car, it is necessary to refrain from carrying heavy luggage and from using a trailer. You can not move through the mud, sand and bad pavement. This is explained by the fact that such trips are very likely to create an extreme load on the transmission and on the car engine, and this should never be allowed.
  • In a vehicle with automatic transmission Special attention given to the condition of the gearbox. She, unlike the manual transmission, requires a more careful attitude towards herself. Before driving in the cold season, the car with automatic transmission must be warmed up well so that the oil in the box warms up to its operating temperature.

  • Both during the break-in process and after it, it is necessary to periodically check the level of all technical fluids of the vehicle, paying special attention to the oil level in the engine. Operating the engine without oil is guaranteed to lead to the need for expensive engine repairs, up to its complete replacement. The level of all technical fluids is checked when the vehicle is on a completely flat surface. The bottom of the car body needs periodic inspection for signs of leakage of technical fluids. Timely identification of stains on the surface of the bottom of the car will help to eliminate the problem before expensive vehicle repairs are required.
  • Complete the break-in of a new car should be a trip to a specialized station Maintenance where highly qualified personnel professional equipment will hold complete diagnostics your car, measure the level of all technical fluids, change the oil, etc.

After studying this article, you have learned how to break in a new car yourself, without involving an outsider for this activity. Compliance with the recommendations described above will allow you to get the most out of your new car in the near future, extend the life of all its components and assemblies and get the most out of traveling over various distances.

I bought my first car, remember that running a new car in winter is the most best option. For many, the purchase of their first and long-awaited car is the most joyful day in their lives. Prepare for it in advance, looking for a place for further storage. This is of course correct, but not the main thing. The duration of its operation depends on how well the running-in will be done.

Running in a new car in winter, why is it so? Driving components and assemblies in new vehicles do not work like in used ones. They have not yet had time to get used to, "find" their place, as a result of which the general temperature engine, a development in the form of metal chips appears in the oil. If you do everything wrong, this is minus 35% of the total motor resource. The percentage is significant.


It is necessary to switch speeds smoothly, without jerks, and this does not depend on the time of year. Clutch impact can damage synchronizers, resulting in urgent repairs. For diesel engines, the break-in rules are the same as for gasoline types. The only and main condition is to wait until the indicator goes out on the instrument panel. Some experts say that for a diesel engine the speed threshold is somewhat lowered, but manufacturers do not indicate such information.

Whatever the car is domestic or foreign, do not rush to drive it at first, it is better to drive 2000 km in a gentle mode than to do a sudden overhaul. If possible, buy a car in the cold season, as running a new car the winter will pass much more effective than summer. In other matters, let each owner decide for himself.



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