Is it O.K. to drive a new car on the freeway for 1,150 miles (17 hours)?

Question

The idea here is to drive straight out of the car dealership and onto the freeway, and subject the car to 17 hours of freeway driving, covering 1,150 miles.

My fear is that this will have a negative effect on the new engine.

Answer 1

Sure it is, just do not run the engine at excessively high speeds, as it needs to be broken in, not broken down.

Answer 2

Of course it will wear in at that speed and only want to be driven like that forever. Freeway is about 5% throttle all the time. It is best to do just what the owners manual says. I vary engine speed and loads for the first 1,000 miles and change oil that removes any metal bits from the first part of running in an engine. Mechanics do not like the terminology Break-In. Even after 1,500 miles the engine is tight My motor loosened up at 3,200 miles and gas milage improved and oil consumption went down as the piston rings sealed. I would have to say 1,150 mile trip would work ok if you went by back roads and cheked your oil and changed it after getting home.

Answer 3

Drive normally but not at continuous high speeds for the first 500 miles. Occasional quick bursts of speed followed by quick deceleration during this period, is beneficial. AVOID LUGGING!!! TRIPS AND TOWING are not recommended until after 1000 miles.

NOTE:
Applying loads to the engine for short periods of time causes increased ring pressure against cylinder walls and helps to seat the rings. This is especially important because you are "BREAKING-IN" the engine with heavy duty oils. The rapid deceleration increases vacuum and gives extra lubrication to the piston and other assemblies.


2.) IMPORTANT! AFTER 500 TO A MAXIMUM OF 1000 MILES OF SERVICE, change oil and filter.

Answer 4

Even if the motor hasn't been run in, which most already have, so long as you don't go mad there will be no problem, in fact your motor will last longer doing long distance freeway driving as opposed to the stop start of city driving.

Answer 5

If you are driving at a constant 55 mph+ throughout the trip, yes, because a new engine needs to be "broken in".

Answer 6

I would NOT drive it at constant speed that entire time, there should be variation of engine speed during the break-in period.

Answer 7

It will be fine most new cars come with seasoned engine blocks.

Answer 8

cars do not need break-in periods anymore. you will smell some burning paint though.

Answer 9

work the car in...if anything goes wrong its under warranty.