The Owners Manual (Page 5-41) suggests that for the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) you should "Avoid driving for longer periods at constant speed, either fast or slow."

When I get my vehicle I will need to immediatly make a 600 mile trip. I would normally do this trip in one day, but am not sure if that is a good idea this time?

What does "longer periods" means? Would I be okay driving straight through as long as I vary my speed? Would varying between 50 & 60 mph be sufficient or should I slow right down to a stop or 10 or 15 mph? How often should I vary the speed (5-15-60 minutes).....?

What do you guys think?

Dino

 

I'm wondering the same thing, because when I get my car, if I can't go on any "trips" I'll never reach 1200 miles since I wont be using the new car to commute.

My opinion is that stop/go state highway driving would be fine, such as Rt. 1 in NJ. You'll reach 60 mph, then get caught at a light. Then drive some more, stop again. That's how I'm reading it, that such driving would be preferable to Turnpike driving.

I'm guessing that on your 600 mi. trip, you can do it in a day, but it would be nice for the car to experience what I described above. But that could take forever too, to go that distance.....

Life will be much easier after 1200 miles I guess.

 

Everyone tells me the same thing: just fluctuate your RPMs and MPH. Don't use cruise control. And my dealer said to not rev it beyond 4000rpms until after 1,200mi.

 

I noticed that as well when reading the manual. I will need to drive 4 hours just to get home from the dealer when I pick mine up.

 

Oops

 

OOPS as well

 

Its really not a problem as long as you vary your rpms constantly. I only have a 2 hour drive home, but I take the back (paved) roads doing this procedure so I can vary my rpms which takes me a lot longer. I change my rpms every few minutes going from low rpms and higher up to a max of 4,000 rpm. No abrupt, just gradual stops and no rapid acceleration. I've always broke my vehicles in this way and have never had a single problem.

 

just curious, what do you guys believe will happen if you were to abuse the engine right off the bat?

THe only example of failure I've heard is with Dodge Vipers....

 

I believe theyre allready abused @ the factory when they test them

 

acura dealers tell me to beat it! meaning their cars and the guy knew i wasnt buying!

 

Like many of you I have been reading all kinds of things about the best break in procedures, some say baby it while others will tell you to drive it like you stole it. A good friend of mine was a mechanic for Mazda, he suggests that you should follow the manufacturers suggested break in schedule but don't baby it too much and definitly vary speed and engine speed. More importantly make sure the engine warms up properly. Avoid the 2 minute drive to the corner store, the engine needs to get to the proper operating temperature range before you shut it down. Obviously this is even more important in cold weather. For those of you that will be spending a lot of time on the highway, don't shut the car off too soon after pulling off the highway. As parts of the engine cool at different rates, it may cause the evil ticking noise we all dread.

 

another theory is to change the oil at ~ 1k miles in case there are any manufacturing particals or wrenches left in the engine.

 

That is something I've done with every car I've ever owned. Usually move over to Synthetic as well.

 

I've been told to wait until the engine is thoroughly broken in before switching to synthetic, as it stops the break in process. I think I am going to wait until about 5,000km.

 

Wow I suck at posting on forums.

I meant, I usually change the oil at 1500miles.

I also eventually switch over to synthetic. I have heard the same as you about synthetic messing up the break in process. Something about "mineral" oil.