Engine Break-In
#1
06-08-2003, 05:21 PM
Engine Break-In
This has come up numerous times on different threads.
There is some debate re the necessity of a break-in routine on modern engines. Some advocate "driving it like you stole it" right from the beginning. To be safe, I believe it's a good idea to follow the manufacture's recommendations as set out in the Owner's Manual.
I've previously posted this Article from The Driver's Edge (website gone).
It seems to make sense, and basically follows the recommendations as set out by Infiniti in the manual.
<font color=blue>Break-in Schedule
JEFF'S NEW CAR BREAK-IN TIPS
The first 2,000 miles is the single most important period in your car's life. This is what determines if the car is a 90,000 mile car or a 190,000 mile car. Remember this! The break-in period is split into three parts.
1) For the first 1000 miles, don't run the car over 3,500 RPM, and don't depress the gas pedal more than half-way to the floor unless absolutely necessary.
***NOTE***
If you have to get onto the freeway, or you need to pass a slow moving truck, STAND ON IT. But don't make a habit of running the car hard during the first 1000 miles. Also, if your car has cruise control, don't use it during this time. You want to vary the engine speed and load as much as possible.
2) During the second interval, which is only 500 miles, you can slowly start using more and more of the engine's power.
3) The third interval is also 500 miles. During this time, use the car HARDER than you would normally. If you only drive 35MPH in the city, and after 50,000 miles move to Boulder Colorado, the car will be working harder than it ever has before, and will NOT be a happy camper! And by harder, I mean both RPM and load. Cruising along at 55MPH in third gear doesn't count! The best thing you can do is to run it full throttle 0-60, shifting above 5,000 RPM. (It is also a good idea to do this twice a month for as long as you own the car.) This keeps the soot out of the exhaust pipe, cleans the catalytic converter, and evaporates the water that is made there. If you do not do this, the exhaust system will rust from the inside out!
4) After the break-in period, you may return to your normal driving style, and the car will be prepared for any changes it might see down the road.
5) I still recommend changing the oil after the break-in period.... 5000 mile oil-change intervals are then acceptable.
<font color=green>GG</font color=green>
There is some debate re the necessity of a break-in routine on modern engines. Some advocate "driving it like you stole it" right from the beginning. To be safe, I believe it's a good idea to follow the manufacture's recommendations as set out in the Owner's Manual.
I've previously posted this Article from The Driver's Edge (website gone).
It seems to make sense, and basically follows the recommendations as set out by Infiniti in the manual.
<font color=blue>Break-in Schedule
JEFF'S NEW CAR BREAK-IN TIPS
The first 2,000 miles is the single most important period in your car's life. This is what determines if the car is a 90,000 mile car or a 190,000 mile car. Remember this! The break-in period is split into three parts.
1) For the first 1000 miles, don't run the car over 3,500 RPM, and don't depress the gas pedal more than half-way to the floor unless absolutely necessary.
***NOTE***
If you have to get onto the freeway, or you need to pass a slow moving truck, STAND ON IT. But don't make a habit of running the car hard during the first 1000 miles. Also, if your car has cruise control, don't use it during this time. You want to vary the engine speed and load as much as possible.
2) During the second interval, which is only 500 miles, you can slowly start using more and more of the engine's power.
3) The third interval is also 500 miles. During this time, use the car HARDER than you would normally. If you only drive 35MPH in the city, and after 50,000 miles move to Boulder Colorado, the car will be working harder than it ever has before, and will NOT be a happy camper! And by harder, I mean both RPM and load. Cruising along at 55MPH in third gear doesn't count! The best thing you can do is to run it full throttle 0-60, shifting above 5,000 RPM. (It is also a good idea to do this twice a month for as long as you own the car.) This keeps the soot out of the exhaust pipe, cleans the catalytic converter, and evaporates the water that is made there. If you do not do this, the exhaust system will rust from the inside out!
4) After the break-in period, you may return to your normal driving style, and the car will be prepared for any changes it might see down the road.
5) I still recommend changing the oil after the break-in period.... 5000 mile oil-change intervals are then acceptable.
<font color=green>GG</font color=green>
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