12 Things you should never do in a Brand New Car

Despite the Pandemic it’s surprising to see a better number of new cars sold in 2020 than in 2019. Be it from the entry-level cars or high-end cars, most of them have seen a growth in sales. Come on, who doesn’t get excited when a new car pops in your head. Furthermore, the soothing smell of freshly built car is breathtaking.

With that said, buying a new car is on one side and preparing it for its time with you is quite another. Yes! you heard it right, you have to get your car up and running before extracting the most out of it. Here are 12 things one should avoid doing in a new car.

1. Skipping the Owner’s Manual
   

   

   Fact: Anyone rarely reads the newly bought vehicles owner manual. This still happens, as all the detail, nicks and nacks are written there. So, now before googling something about the car, it’s better to look in the manual. You’ll surely see some new things there.

2. Avoid Super Short Trips
   

   

   Got a new car? I’m sure you’ll be excited to drive it. Well, it’s surely fun and amusing just don’t her around the block, rather go a bit far. Just let her feel the air and stretch its legs out on the road.

3. Don’t Floor the Throttle
   

   

   It is recommended not to put the pedal to the metal during the run-in period. For you to know, the running-in period lasts anywhere from 1,000kms to 1,500kms depending upon the car. Let those new fresh piston rings take their position and sink in.

4. Don’t hit the Rev limiter or Rev bounce
   

   

   Similar to putting the pedal to the floor, one should avoid taking the engine to redline. Yes! I agree its fun, but save it for later use, at least after 1,000kms. Keeping the engine on the boil might result in poor running-in and this could lead vibrations to creep in.

5. Don’t slam the brakes
   

   

   Slamming the brakes might have similar effects as under hard acceleration. But that said if one has to jam the brakes to avoid a collision, do it without hesitation. In any other case, it is fair not to slam them for a better life ahead. Let those discs get used to your driving style.

6. Don’t Forget Driving in City Traffic
   

   

   Driving in the city is one of the best places to complete the running-in period. For the first 1,000kms, the car demands variable speed with varying RPM and driving in the city extracts exactly the same. This allows the engine to run on multiple RPMS with varying load.

7. Avoid Traffic Jams
   

   

   Prolonged Idling might have a negative effect on that newly built engine. It’s better to keep it under the transmission load most of the times. Well, no one wants to get stuck in a traffic jam so does your new baby. This is until the running-in period ends.

8. Don’t Stress in Cold Starts

   

   This is one of the ignored stat, and it is also one of the most important ones. A new engine is tightly put together, and not warming up the car before driving might have an adverse effect on the pistons and piston rings. Not just a new car, this should also be followed in any vehicle with any number of kilometres on it. I’m sure you too never just get up in the morning and straight go to work. This is the exact same reason, let the vehicle wake up

9. Avoid Frequent Oil Changes
   

   

   There is a reason a company decides a specific time or range when to change the motor oil. Well, changing that before prescribed rate, or even frequent oil changes could result in a money drain. It doesn’t harm the engine it’s just you’ll be wasting your cash.

10. Don’t Use Cruise Control
    

    

    As said earlier, a new freshly built car shouldn’t be driven at a constant speed. Cruise control in a vehicle does the same. Though it is good for extracting good mileage it’ll surely have a negative effect on the long run.

11. Don’t run the car on premium Petrol
    

    

    Caring about your newly bought car is good but over caring will be harsh on her. Automotive companies never recommend running the car on premium petrol. Especially here in India, the premium has additives that’ll surely harm the engine components rather than doing good.

12. Don’t tow or Overload
    

    

    Driving your new car under transmission load is what all it needs. Exceeding the load might be harmful to the engine and on the long run, you’ll surely be disappointed. Sticking to a light load with light luggage and light people load will be great for the first 1,000kms.

Also, Read 2020 Mahindra Thar: Variant-wise Colour Options Revealed

In the end, if necessary or in an emergency, ignore the points and drive as is. It’s just the car is sure important, but not as important that your life. With that said, enjoy the new vehicle and take good care of her, she’ll be great in the long run. HAPPY MOTORING!

Fun Read: 10 Things You Should NEVER LEAVE Inside Your Car (Aerosol Cans, F&B etc)

FAQs

1. What to put in a new car for good luck?

In India, people break coconuts, drop balls of lemon and pepper, or set a small idol, like a Ganesha statue, for luck after purchasing a new car. Some also put a flower or a lucky charm. These are all traditions believed to bring positive vibes and a safe journey. Every family has its own style.

2. Can we go on a long drive in a new car?

Yes, you can go for a long drive, but be careful. It’s not a good idea to overwork a new car’s engine in the beginning. Keep clear of extremely high RPMs and try to maintain an even speed. If you take long drives in a relaxed manner, it will be good for the car and you will also enjoy driving.

3. How to take care of a brand new car?

First of all, a new car should be driven with care, avoiding rash driving. Follow the regular service schedule and don’t miss the first service. Take fuel from a reliable petrol pump at all times. To keep the car shining, keep it clean and polished. Checking the tire pressure and cleaning the AC filter are also essential. These small things will extend the life of the car.

4. How to properly break in a brand new car?

Driving the car gently during the break-in period is most important. Avoid excessively high speeds or sudden acceleration for the first 1000–1500 km. Avoid using the clutch brake too often & shift through each gear smoothly. When driving on a highway, keep your speed stable & avoid overheating the engine. The car will start and run more smoothly if you pay attention.