While many modern cars are ready to drive straight out of the showroom, the established wisdom of spending time running in a new car still carries a lot of weight.
Mechanics and professionals in the automotive industry are often asked about running in new cars and they generally advocate strongly for a period of care with a new vehicle.
With a huge selection of car finance deals on the market today, getting a new car is easier than ever and often drivers will make a spur-of-the-moment decision to purchase a factory-fresh vehicle thanks to the options available at places like Honda – they want to drive away with their new car and never think about the initial driving period.
There are a number of tips worth noting when you buy a new car – as well as some myths that should really be dispelled.
In the old days, the tolerances of bearings and the crankshaft were pretty poorly specified when you compare them to the modern high-tech engineering of today’s cars, like Hondas.
During that time there was something to be said for keeping the engine revs low when running in a new car to break it in gently.
Now, with modern monitoring processes, contemporary engine tolerances are tested and engineered with far greater precision. Any advice that warns against over-revving a new car due to potential problems for the engine has become out-of-date.
That said, refraining from hammering the car in the early days is still a good plan! Avoid trying to reach top speeds or dragging substantial loads like caravans or trailers for the first 800 miles of your vehicle’s road life.
It is easy to sell oil to new drivers – tell them that they need to change oil early on and they’ll buy some straight away to protect their new purchase. Quite often though, it is unnecessary.
It is true that a new Honda can consume more oil in those early days than it will do once the car is settled, and so keeping an eye on the oil level is sound advice, but changing oil is not needed – just top it up if it drops low.
It is important, and recommended by Honda themselves, that you use high-quality, low-viscosity oil. In collaboration with Castrol, Honda have introduced a range of products designed for their cars in mind, which means as an owner you can get extra peace of mind knowing you have the perfect lubricant.
Throughout your car life, from those first running in days and beyond, higher-quality oils will have an outcome on your engine’s performance, so start off with good oil and then keep the standard up.
Do consult the manual regarding oil levels, especially when running in, and maintain the correct level.
Treating the paintwork of your car with respect is important, especially during those first few hundred miles.
New Honda cars are protected with a highly-specified and engineered paint application which will last for decades.
While some manufacturers’ cars may advise avoiding wax on your car for the first few months, a Honda is ready to go straight out of the showroom – and indeed, a coat of wax is going to protect that new paintwork from water and harmful airborne pollutants.
