As we all know, new cars have a certain running-in period. The maintenance and care during this period can not only extend the service life of the vehicle but also bring benefits in many aspects such as driving safety. Today, I’d like to invite experienced drivers to share with you how to maintain a new car.
Control the Driving Speed
During the running-in maintenance of a new car, try to drive at a low speed as much as possible and avoid driving at high speeds for long periods. When the engine works continuously under high load for a long time, it is very likely to cause aggravated wear, especially for a new car. This requires drivers to develop good and proficient driving skills in daily driving, effectively reducing the wear of vehicle components, prolonging the service life, and at the same time improving driving safety.
In the modern automotive era, engines are more complex and high-tech than ever. With the development of turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains, the concept of proper speed control during the running-in period has become even more crucial. Turbocharged engines, for instance, rely on forced induction to boost power. However, during the initial running-in, excessive high-speed operation can cause the turbocharger to overheat, as it spins at extremely high speeds. This can lead to premature wear of the turbocharger’s bearings and impellers, ultimately affecting its performance and lifespan. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Coordinating the usage of these two power sources during the running-in period demands extra attention. Driving at a moderate speed allows the engine to warm up evenly and the various components to gradually adapt to each other, reducing the risk of sudden failures.
For electric vehicles, although they don’t have a traditional internal combustion engine, they still have a running-in process for components like the electric motor, battery management system, and transmission. High-speed driving in the early stages can put stress on the battery, causing rapid heat generation. This not only reduces battery life but also affects the overall efficiency of the vehicle. By keeping the speed in check, the electric motor can smoothly adjust its performance, and the battery can operate within a more stable temperature range, optimizing the long-term performance of the vehicle.
Never Overload the Vehicle
Running a new car at full load will cause excessive wear on its components. It’s best to travel light and never overload the vehicle. The load rate should preferably be less than 90%. When loading a new car, it’s advisable to keep the load below the specified capacity and definitely avoid overloading. Because overloading will increase the burden on components such as the engine, transmission, drive system, and suspension system, intensify wear, and cause damage to the vehicle.
Overloading is a common yet dangerous practice that many vehicle owners may overlook. In commercial vehicles, overloading is often driven by the pursuit of maximizing profit per trip. However, this short-sighted behavior has far-reaching consequences. The engine, when overloaded, has to work much harder to move the extra weight. This leads to increased fuel consumption, not just in the short term but also over the long run as the engine’s efficiency deteriorates. The transmission, designed to handle a certain torque range, is forced to transmit more power than it was built for. This can cause gears to wear out quickly, leading to shifting problems and potential transmission failures.
In passenger cars, overloading might seem less severe, but it still poses risks. The suspension system, which is calibrated to provide a comfortable ride under normal loads, sags under excessive weight. This affects the vehicle’s handling, making it more difficult to steer and brake properly. Moreover, overloading can also put stress on the tires, increasing the risk of premature wear, blowouts, and even tire failures on the road, endangering the safety of everyone in the vehicle.
Try to Avoid Emergency Braking
When driving a new car, be careful not to start too abruptly. Also, avoid frequent use of the brakes and emergency braking. Emergency braking will not only shock the braking system during the running-in period but also increase the impact load on the vehicle chassis and engine.
The braking system of a modern car is a sophisticated piece of engineering. It consists of multiple components such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, and the hydraulic system. During the running-in phase, these components are still in the process of getting to know each other, so to speak. Frequent emergency braking subjects the brake pads to sudden, intense friction. This can cause uneven wear, creating hot spots on the pads and rotors. These hot spots can lead to premature degradation of the braking surfaces, reducing the effectiveness of the brakes over time.
The impact of emergency braking also travels through the vehicle’s chassis. The sudden deceleration forces are transmitted to the frame, suspension, and engine mounts. In a new car, these mounts are still settling, and excessive shock can cause them to loosen prematurely. This can result in vibrations and rattles during normal driving, and in severe cases, it can even affect the alignment of the engine, leading to more serious mechanical problems down the road.
Shift Gears in a Timely Manner
For the maintenance of a new car, it’s also important to shift gears in a timely and appropriate manner. Avoid driving at high gears with low rpm or low gears with high rpm, and don’t stay in one gear for a long time. The running-in of a new car is a comprehensive process that involves the running-in of the gearbox, steering system, braking system, etc. Frequent and smooth gear shifting can help each part of the new car reach its normal working state quickly.
In today’s vehicles with advanced transmissions, whether it’s a manual, automatic, or dual-clutch transmission, proper gear shifting is key. Manual transmissions require the driver to have a good sense of the engine’s power band. Shifting too early or too late can cause the engine to lug or over-rev, respectively. In an automatic transmission, the vehicle’s computer controls gear changes, but the driver can still influence it through driving habits. Aggressive acceleration that forces the transmission to hold lower gears for too long can cause unnecessary wear. Dual-clutch transmissions, known for their quick shift times, also need a gentle break-in. By making smooth, well-timed gear shifts, the clutches can bed in properly, and the transmission fluid can flow evenly, ensuring the long-term reliability of the transmission system.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, new materials and manufacturing techniques are being introduced. For example, engines are now made with lighter yet stronger alloys, and transmissions use more precise machining and advanced lubricants. To fully take advantage of these improvements, proper running-in procedures are essential. Additionally, with the rise of autonomous driving features, cars are becoming more intelligent. Even so, basic maintenance principles during the new car phase still hold true, as they form the foundation for a long, trouble-free service life.
