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, we will highlight practical tips from the general flow of information that will help even an ignorant person to understand this seemingly difficult issue.
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. We can say that this is the so-called pre-sale preparation of the car.
"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 sudden 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 of the brake pads will be significantly reduced due to their uneven wear, and the braking efficiency will be significantly reduced. Even if you have a very powerful and dynamic car, you should not give in 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 the new engine should not idle for a long time. After starting the engine, you need to wait a while until the engine warms up to operating temperature, after which you must immediately start moving. It is also not recommended while driving for a long time to adhere to one range of revolutions of the 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 on mud, sand and poor road surface. 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 is paid 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.
- The break-in of a new car should be completed by a trip to a specialized service station, where highly qualified personnel using professional equipment will carry out a complete diagnosis of 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.
