Running in a new car




At one time if you bought a brand new car you might be told to 'run it in' first. At one time the tolerances of vehicle engines were not as precise as the modern vehicles we drive today, and would definitely require you to not drive the vehicle too hard or fast for the first few hundred miles.

This used to be the responsibility of the new owner, but most modern car engines either don't require running in, or this has already been done by the manufacturer before the vehicle leaves the factory.

How do I know if my new car needs running-in?

Generally your car dealer should be able to tell whether a running-in period is required. Thanks to advances in lubricating oils and engine technology this is often not the case however. Check your new vehicles operating manual too for any information on this though, the dealer may not necessarily be familiar with all the requirements for that particular model.

If the engine does need to be run-in

If your car does need running, or you feel that you want to 'break in' the cars components gently, these are the kind of things to consider for about the first 1000 miles.

  • Start with gentle town driving. This will allow all the major engine and transmission components to 'bed-in'.

  • Brand new tyres may initially have a thin oily coating on their surface as a result of the manufacturing proces. This may affect the vehicles handling in the wet until it has worn off.

  • Try not to accelerate or brake rapidly. Take all manoeuvres smoothly, which is actually good driving practice anyway

  • If you have a diesel engine, try to avoid exceeding 3000rpm but don't be afraid to approach it

  • If you have petrol engine follow the above advice for the first 600-700 miles and then increase the limit to about 4000 rpm

  • Try not to put excessive strain on the engine by misusing the gears

  • Check the oil and coolant levels every week. Oil consumption may be high for the first 5000 miles or so but should decrease after this period

If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation.

Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury