Hi, I am getting my FIAT punto 1.3 tomorrow evening and the very next morning, I am starting for Mahabaleshwar, roughly 400kms away from Mumbai for a 3 day trip. My wife is a little nervous about driving a brand new vehicle and insists that we should take our old vehicle as we might not know if the new one has any issues. I am keen on driving the new car as I did same with my first car 13 years ago.
Since my wife has raised this point, I want to be a little cautious. So experts please suggest if in your opinion, I should keep something handy with me, like may be Engine Oil or coolant or anything else? I have taken extended warranty and 24X7 road side assistance.
Comments [ 5 comments ]
No, don't worry. Just keep your speed under check. Don't rev beyond 2500 rpm and enjoy the drive. Take a couple of breaks mid-way after every 2 hours or so. Your car should do just fine. Some of this might help: http://www.cartoq.com/how-to-safely-run-in-your-car/
Amol it is good that you have opted for road side assistance etc. However on such a long trip it would be hard to drive at low speeds and make good time. Since you have to run in your new car before you can drive it at high speeds and also have to get used to the car, you would be better off taking your old car. If you take your new car, leave well in advance so that there is no rush, there should ideally be no problems if you drive with a soft foot and stay below 80 kmph at all times. I would still suggest you take your old car :)
The 24x7 road assistance was a good idea but do check till where is this assistance provided, as in is it within the city or outside too. I would be a little apprehensive about taking out a brand new car on a 400Km journey because it is not necessary that nothing will go wrong on a brand new car.
I would rather suggest you to drive the car around town for atleast a couple of hundred kilometers and check if everything is functioning properly and also even if you do take the new car out on the highway after that, do remember that you still are in the process of running in the new engine so keep that right foot under control.
Cool... Thanks all. I feel little enlighten now. I am any day soft footer driver, so I think should be able to sail with newbee :)
Hi, IIRC people in North India have taken their Fiats over longer distances right after delivery since their native places were far from Fiat dealerships. 400kms should not be a worry at all if you have done a thorough PDI. The ECU has a limp home mode in case it detects anything that is serious, it will go to that mode even before you realize the smallest trouble. Fiat RSA is really very quick, I have personal experience, here is that link - http://www.teamfiat.co.in/street-travel-experience/9059-fiat%92s-exceptional-car-service-rsa.html