Table of contents: Running in ↓ Features of operation of vehicles… ↓ Overcoming water obstacles ↓ Left-hand and right-hand traffic ↓
Running in
To obtain maximum service life for the vehicle and its economical operation, the following rules should be followed during the initial period of operation of a new vehicle.
The running-in period for a new engine is approximately 1,500 km. For the first 1,000 km, drive at a speed no more than 3/4 of the maximum, do not press the gas pedal to the floor, avoid running the engine at high revs and do not tow a trailer. In the period from 1,000 to 1,500 km, you can gradually increase the speed and revs to maximum. During the running-in period, operate the car on roads of varying quality and avoid prolonged driving with constant engine speed and constant speed (both high and low).
For other vehicle systems, follow the guidelines below:
- for reasons related to the technology of tire manufacturing, their operating parameters are achieved only after approximately 500 km of running, so until this point the car should be driven with special care;
- approximately 400 km of running is required to bed in the brake pads and discs;
- try to avoid emergency braking;
- until the mileage reaches 500 km, engage and disengage the clutch especially smoothly.
Features of operation of vehicles equipped with a catalytic converter and a particulate filter
The catalytic converter is a highly efficient element of the exhaust gas (exhaust gas) toxicity reduction system and is included in the exhaust gas exhaust system. Inside the working element of the converter, exhaust gas is afterburned at high temperature in order to reduce the level of toxic components in them.
When the engine is running, exhaust system components can reach very high temperatures - try not to touch hot components and do not park the car on areas covered with flammable materials (fallen leaves, dry grass, garbage, etc.).
Do not use leaded gasoline to fill a vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter - the lead it contains in high concentrations is deposited on the surfaces of the converter's working element, significantly reducing its efficiency.
Ensure that the engine settings and adjustments are correct. Deviations in the setting of operating parameters of the ignition, fuel injection and engine management systems can lead to dangerous over-enrichment of the air-fuel mixture and overheating of the catalytic converter. If misfires occur, the operation of the vehicle should be suspended until the causes of the malfunction are eliminated. Fuel that has not warmed up during misfires from the combustion chambers gets into the converter, where it can easily ignite (for the same reason, starting the engine by towing or pushing should be avoided).
Monitor fuel consumption, try not to allow it to run out completely, which is usually associated with misfires (see previous paragraph).
Do not remove or coat with anti-gravel mastic the heat shields mounted on the exhaust system.
Diesel models may be equipped with a particulate filter, which traps soot particles and then periodically burns them off at high temperatures. The cleaning process takes several minutes, and under certain circumstances this can be seen by rougher engine operation and the need for higher engine speeds than usual to develop the same power. Additionally, sounds may be heard in the exhaust system and a small amount of smoke may be emitted, even after the engine is turned off.
Overcoming water obstacles
It is allowed to overcome water obstacles up to 30 cm deep. In this case, you should move at a speed of no more than 3-5 km/h. Otherwise, the engine, electrical equipment and transmission may be damaged.
When driving on wet or muddy roads, reduce speed as a wedge of water may form between the tires and the road. This effect (called "aquaplaning") can result in partial or complete loss of contact with the road surface, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle and making braking impossible.
In wet weather or heavy rain, it is advisable to lightly press the brake pedal from time to time to maintain the effectiveness of the braking system (brake discs and pads dry out when braking).
Left-hand and right-hand traffic
When crossing the border of a country where driving on the other side of the road is accepted, the following steps must be taken to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. On models with halogen headlights, tape over the corresponding areas of the headlight lenses. On models with xenon headlights, they must be reconfigured using diagnostic equipment.
First, turn off the exterior lights and remove the key from the ignition. Remove the covers from the back of the halogen headlights (see Chapter 12) or unscrew the plugs of the xenon headlights. On halogen headlights, move the lever (see illustration 26.1a) down (for left-hand traffic) or up (for right-hand traffic). On xenon headlights, move the lever (see illustration 26.1b) to the center of the car (for left-hand traffic) or from the center of the car (for right-hand traffic).