How to run in your brand-new car? Here is what we’re doing with our new Ativa

When you buy a brand-new car, you have to go through a run-in (or break-in) period for the first 1,000 km. Unfortunately, you can’t just gun it right after taking delivery from the showroom. As such with our new Perodua Ativa, the first thing in order is to run it in.

How to run in the car?

Drive the car carefully without exceeding a certain rpm and speed limit. In every car’s owner manual, the instructions for the run-in period are explicitly stated.

And for the case of our Perodua Ativa, the requirements are as such:

• Do not drive over 90 km/h
• Do not drive for long periods at any one constant speed, either fast or slow
• Avoid full throttle starts
• Avoid sudden stops except in case of an emergency, especially during the first 300 km

Do run-in instructions differ from one car to another?

Run-in instructions may vary slightly from one car to another, but generally you just have to drive the car sensibly.

The Toyota Hilux, for example, separates the run-in period into three stages. It also adds that you should avoid continuously driving in low gears.

A Toyota Prius, on the other hand, separates the run in period into two stages with a pretty easy set of instructions to follow.

How are we running in our own Ativa?

The gist of running-in is generally the same, with some manufacturers having stricter requirements than others. Since we’re planning on conducting serious tests on the Ativa as soon as possible, we’re taking turns driving the Ativa in loops to speed up the run-in process.

For the Ativa, we’ll be driving in moderate traffic conditions in the city. The mix of stop-and-go traffic and the occasional long stretches of road should allow us to drive in accordance to the recommended run-in method outlined in the owner’s manual.

We are targeting to get 1,000 km on the odometer in a week and have already arranged an appointment for the 1,000 km inspection.

Running in the car is boring. Why should I do it?

Running in the car is crucial to ensure the longevity of your car.

What running in does is to let the moving parts of the car adjust to one another. The main goal of running in the engine is so that the piston rings seat properly with the cylinder walls. They need to able to form a proper seal and oil film for normal operation.

If the pistons rings are not seated well, the car might not be able to achieve the supposed fuel economy or produce the supposed power figures.

A proper seal is important to ensure all power is contained within the combustion chamber. A poorly formed seal could potentially create blow-by problems, which then cause loss of power and poorer efficiency.

Is running in just about the engine?

No. The tyres and brakes need to be run in too, to get the best out of them. Pretty much like a new pair of shoes.

And if you’ve opted for window tints on your car, they need time to set in too. Keep in mind to not roll down the windows too for the first few days (ask your sales advisor on this period).

Is it hard to run in a car?

Not at all. You just need to be patient since you will have to avoid hard acceleration and hard braking. Just drive sensibly. 

The 90 km/h speed limit is not stated for most cars, but if it is, try sticking to city driving to avoid going too fast. City driving also varies your rpm and speed more, which is good for running in the car.

Conclusion

Running in a brand-new car is something you should do. The instructions on this matter are clearly stated in the owner’s manual. Instructions may vary with the make and model, but generally, you just have to drive sensibly. It is an easy task that ensures the longevity of your own car.

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