I'm driving from Indianapolis to WV (6 hr trip) to pick up my camo mt xB. A family member had a good question. He said it may not be such a good idea to drive a new car at constant high speeds without breaking it in. This was definitely true for older cars, but is it true for new cars and specifically the xB? Is it ok for us to go pick it up, then drive it on the highway 60-70mph for six hours straight?

 

Quite a few people have done it, but the manual says to vary the speed and driving conditions to break it in properly.

"Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:

* Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
* Avoid racing the engine.
* Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
* Do not drive slowly with the manual transmission in a high gear.
* Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow."

 

Very nice reply Sci Fire, they should quote you for the manual.

 

i guess i literally "broke" my engine in. oh well next scion

 

I pick mine up tomorrow and am going to put 350 highway miles on it. I guess i will just have to go from 4thand 5th the whole way.

 

The book says to keep it under 55 and vary your speed. If you want to go by the book, stick to this. The technicians at my store have a different point of view. Here is their quote:

"Cliffy, a monkey could drive this thing and not screw it up. just go easy on the brakes at first, but you're not going to mess up the engine or anything else."

It is their opinion that the manual was writtne by paranoid lawyers. Take it for what it is worth.

 

I just drove 4 hours round trip to pick up my RS1 in Fulsom (near Sacramento) last night.

I ranged between 60 and 75 on the way home. There is no way I'm ever driving below 55!!!

Whenever I hear about breaking in a car it's usually about staying way below redline. I stayed below half of redline so that part's ok.

 

Don't worry about it, just don't thrash the crap out of it and you'll be fine

 

Avoid Curbs

 

Hey i am in Indy also....what part you in?

 

I would recommend that even after the 1000 mile break-in period...

Got a story you wish to share?

 

check my sig for a fun tale and the ongoing saga...three weeks on Friday and my Lava is still waiting on parts

~WC

 

I had a seven hour drive back with mine. I did try to vary my speed but I still went 65-80 the whole way back. I really don't think there is any harm in it unless you are redlining the motor. I don't know- everything seems fine. 2900 miles and had my first oil change today, all is well.

 

i didnt read the part below 55mph...theres no way to drive below that, we will get a ticket for driving too slow...

for mine, i just kept it under 70 / 3.5k rpm

 

Take an extra day and drive back via the blue highways. You'll have more fun, it's better for the car, and you'll see some interesting country.

George

 

the most important is the first 500 miles.

 

You want to know the real deal?

It takes some ***** to do this, but trust me it's worth it if you plan to keep the car for a while. The proof is in the pudding.

Read at your own risk.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

If you're too nervous to do that, I suggest at the very least, you vary your RPMS, don't be afraid to rev it up a little--- that's much better than UNDERREVING it or lugging it! I strongly suggest driving it up a hill in a lower gear and allowing "engine braking" to slow it down on the other side a few times when the engine is brand new. That is, as soon as you take it off the lot, drive it a ways and when you come to a light, down shift and let the engine slow the car down instead of the brakes. That helps create a nice tight seal between rings and cylinder walls.

 

this is about motorcycles though