Running in a Car
For many the phrase ‘running in a car’ may be a new one, but it did used to be very popular a few generations ago. It refers to the process of bedding in a brand new car, which has just come out of the factory. Nowadays new cars are much more advanced in terms of their technology and engineering so do not necessarily require a period of careful driving to ensure that all the parts operate well.
However the phrase should not be redundant just yet, as even with today’s new cars an initial period of careful driving can benefit the vehicle in the long term. Some car manufacturers may still include information on how to run in a car in their handbook, however if they don’t here are a few simple tips to help get the most out of your car in those early days.
It is a good idea to drive your new car gently for the first few thousand miles, especially when driving through built up areas such as towns. Braking heavily or starting off in the wrong gear puts unnecessary strain on the cars components and can lead them to wear down quicker. Consider which gear to be driving in for your speed and avoid labouring the engine by driving in a gear which is too low or high. If the new car you are driving has a diesel engine then you should try and ensure that the rpm’s regularly hit the 3000 mark. Although you should try and avoid letting the engine speed exceed the 3000 mark during the first few thousand miles of driving.
If the car has a petrol engine then for the first 500 miles you should stick to 3000 rpm and then increase this limit to 4000 after that. Whether you are driving your own brand new car or one you have leased from a car rental company, it is a good idea in the beginning to check the oil and coolant levels at least once a week. Oil consumption for the first 6000 miles can often be higher than normal but if the car is driven gently this will decrease. You should also be aware that brand new cars have tyres which are coated in a thin residue that is made up of a mixture of oils and a release agent.
This is added to the tyres to stop them from sticking to the mould and will gradually wear off. However you may feel that the handling feels different especially in wet conditions whilst this coating is still on the tyres. Treating your new car well in its early days will help it to maintain its performance levels later on and could reduce wear and tear. Driving your car in a gentler fashion could also help you save money on your car insurance as you are more likely to avoid being in accident if drive a little slower. Whilst the process of running in a car is not as widely talked about as it once was there are still many benefits to giving your car a gentler start, and the tips above should help with that.
