The first 1,000 miles: A guide to driving your new lease car

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The feeling of getting your hands on a brand-new sparkling car is one of the very best, and leasing makes the process as simple and hassle-free as possible.

Of course, you’re bound to be cautious and careful with your brand-new car, but once your shiny new wheels has been delivered, is there anything in particular you should bear in mind?

New technology and modern materials mean it isn't anywhere near as crucial as it once was, but ‘running in’ is still part and parcel when it comes to driving a new car.

To give you an idea of how to keep your car at its best for the period of your lease agreement, here’s some top tips for those all-important first 1,000 miles, as recommended by the majority of manufacturers.

Low revs is best

Engines are more refined and sophisticated than they’ve ever been, but the basic principal of internal combustion remains virtually unchanged since the early days of motoring. It’s still important to make sure everything beds in properly and as such, most manufacturers recommend that you should keep engine revs below 3,000rpm for a certain period – usually a few hundred miles.

While you should regularly reach that limit, you should avoid doing so by changing gear too early and labouring the engine for long periods of time. It’s also a good idea to check the oil and coolant levels weekly for the first month or so; a new car is unlikely to use any fluids, but oil consumption can be higher for the first few thousand miles.

Avoid harsh braking

As with the engine, brakes are made up of moving parts which all need time to bed in properly. You should avoid harsh braking and drive gently at first, although you shouldn’t be overly concerned; brake systems are much more advanced than they used to be, and should be functioning at their optimum when they leave the factory.

Once upon a time, it was recommended that you use the gearbox to help you brake (in manual vehicles), but this isn’t necessary anymore. In fact, to slow down undue wear on the gearbox, it’s actually worth avoiding this where you can. If you’re not keeping the car long-term it’s not really important, but new brake discs and pads are significantly cheaper than a gearbox rebuild further down the line.

Watch your speed

If you aim to keep revs below 3,000, this means you won’t be using the car to its full potential for the first few hundred miles, and the same applies to speed. While you’re fine to take the car up to the speed limit from the off, it’s worth avoiding long runs at constant engine speed if possible.

If you’re on a long journey, it’s better to vary speed; this allows the engine parts to start working together over the full speed range. e.g. accelerating and braking between 50mph – 60mph – 70mph will be better for the car than sitting at a steady 60mph.

Don't worry, fuel economy will improve

As your car wears in, your fuel consumption will improve too. You shouldn’t be shocked if your first full tank of fuel doesn’t get you quite as far as you were expecting – it’s quite normal for mpg to rise over the first few thousand miles.

Also keep in mind that the official fuel economy figures aren't always 100% accurate. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is the new laboratory test for measuring fuel consumption and emissions from cars. It's more realistic than it's predecessor, but it's still not perfect.

Tread carefully

When a new car is delivered, the tyres will often be lightly covered in an oily, protective coating. This shouldn't adversely affect them though, and will eventually completely disappear over the first 10 miles or so.

However, just like the rest of the car, tyres will last longer and perform better if they are looked after and treated gently from the very start.

And you’re done…

Follow the above advice and it should mean your car is even more enjoyable to drive. Besides, a shiny new car will see those first 1,000 miles fly by.

If you’ve yet to take delivery of a brand new car, you can check out thousands of car leasing deals here.