Car enthusiasts believe that cars should be pushed to their limits, especially when it comes to brand-new ones. While it may be tempting to go straight ahead and test your new engine’s full potential, the fact of the matter is new automobiles require a “break-in” period first.
The “break-in” or “mechanical run-in” period of a new car is all about its engine. The process is designed to promote even engine wear through normal operating temperatures, consistent pressures, and smooth-flowing oil. Doing so will cause the piston rings to contract, expand, and flex properly along the cylinder walls. Working the engine too early can cause “hot spots” within the engine’s cylinders that will cause issues in the coming years.
If you’re no car expert, experts advise that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended break-in procedure for maximum engine care. It will promote better performance, stable fuel economy, less oil leakage or burning, and long-lasting engine life.
Break-in Times Vary With Each Car
Break-in periods for cars may vary depending on the model and other factors. A Nissan suggests that their GT-R shouldn’t be driven over 3,500 RPM or 50 percent throttle for its first 300 miles/482 kilometers. Chevrolet’s Corvet has a two-stage break-in process: drivers must stay below 4,000 RPM for the first 500 miles/804 kilometers and avoid driving at full throttle. Subaru has a recommendation of driving below 4,000 RPM for the first 1,000 miles for all their car models.
Some other brands finish the break-in periods of their cars at the factory before they deliver them to the customer. Via computer and manual simulation, they use the engine to an equivalent of 150 miles, below 4,000 RPM at varying engine loads. It ensures an even break-in and allows new car owners to use the car at peak performance.
Conditioning Your Car Properly
Nowadays, better manufacturing has shortened the conditioning period of a car. Engines have become stronger as car parts are made with more precision and better-quality oil. But despite all improvements in engine longevity and performance, the manufacturer’s suggested break-in periods should still be followed:
- Do not push engine performance to the redline right away.
- Take extra care with a high-performance car.
- Avoid flooring the pedal for gas.
- Manual transmission drivers should shift their gears before it redlines.
- Do not use cruise control as the engine should go through different RPMs.
- Avoid short trips as much as possible as it doesn’t warm your car’s engine up to the recommended operating temperature.
- Avoid towing since it may put a heavy load on your vehicle and it will put increased stopping distance on your car’s brakes and tires.
Are There Other Ways?
Enthusiasts swear on an alternative method of driving the car as hard as possible to get the engine hot and highly pressurized right off the dealer lot. Some individuals prefer this more as they find it more fun than babying a new car.
Ron Kiino, the manager of product communications for American Subaru says that the break-in period is a general recommendation and that the likelihood of catastrophic consequences by accidentally accelerating a new car beyond the suggested RPM is very low. But religiously following it will most likely ensure optimum engine longevity.