What Is The Proper Procedure For New Car Break-in?
Colleagues, friends, and neighbors frequently offer advice on the proper technique for breaking in a new vehicle. However, the advice is often as diverse and controversial as the selection of a candidate for a presidential election.
Based on our own research and experience, here is some safe advice that offers time tested methods of proper procedures for breaking in new vehicles.
The first and most obvious point is the motor. The first 1,000 miles are most critical in ensuring the long life and durability of the motor. In order for the piston rings to be seated properly against the cylinder walls, we would recommend normal driving for the first few hundred miles with no full throttle or high rpm operation. We would also recommend varying the engine speed with no use of cruise control devices.
Although many new car service manuals recommend the first oil change at 10,000 miles or more, the old school advice is to change the motor oil during the first 1,000 miles. The logic is that there are metal shavings, gasket material, and other unmentionables that have accumulated in the oil during the assembly and initial break-in. They need to be removed as quickly as possible. If the vehicle is a keeper, you should consider changing the oil during the first 1,000 miles. If the motor comes from the factory with synthetic oil, you may want to drive a little longer, but the oil should be changed before 5,000 miles at most. We would recommend the first oil change with petroleum based oil before 1,000 miles, a second oil change with petroleum based oil before 5,000 miles, and subsequent oil changes with full synthetic oil at recommend factory intervals.
The second area of consideration is the transmission. The oils are often overlooked and many times are not even mentioned in factory service manuals for 30,000 miles or more. Manual and automatic transmission oils or ATF fluids should be changed during the first few thousand miles to ensure removal of metal shavings and other contaminants from the system. Subsequent change intervals should be based on the oil or fluid manufacturers recommendations. This advice may appear to be overkill to many, but it will pay dividends in the years to come.
Remember to allow the brake pads to wear properly during the first few hundred miles by avoiding high speed stops. Otherwise, no special attention is required.
It is also advisable to seal and protect the paintwork of your new vehicle as soon as possible. There is no better time to apply a high quality sealant or wax. It will enhance the beauty and ensure years of worry free protection when applied regularly.
In summary, factory service manuals provide excellent guidelines on vehicle maintenance. However, for the enthusiast or just planning extended operation, the maintenance intervals for fluid changes should be shortened during the break-in period. Beyond this point, it really comes down to care and respect. Treat your vehicle well and it will return the favor for years to come.